Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 1

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define smart and modern materials.
• Describe the general properties of these materials.
• Understand how moisture affects certain smart materials.
• Relate these materials to real-life applications in Ghana.

Lesson summary

In today's world, the materials we use to make things are becoming more advanced and intelligent. Imagine a T-shirt that can change colour to cool you down in the hot Ghanaian sun, or a window that can become dark on its own when it's too bright outside. These are not magic; they are made from "smart" and "modern" materials. This lesson introduces us to these amazing materials. Understanding them helps us see how technology is solving everyday problems in our homes, farms, and hospitals, and how we can be part of creating new solutions for Ghana.

Lesson notes

Part 1: What are Smart and Modern Materials?

First, let's understand the difference between traditional, modern, and smart materials. Traditional Materials: These are materials that have been used for a very long time, like wood, clay, cotton, and basic metals like iron. They are very useful but their properties do not change on their own. For example, a wooden bowl is always a wooden bowl. Modern Materials: These are materials that have been developed recently through science and technology. They are often designed to be stronger, lighter, or more durable than traditional materials. Example: Carbon Fibre. It is a black, thread-like material that is woven into a fabric. It is extremely strong but very lightweight. It is used to make modern fishing rods, parts of aeroplanes, and high-performance bicycles. It is much stronger and lighter than a similar part made from steel. Smart Materials: This is a special group of modern materials. Their key property is that they can change in a noticeable way when there is a change in their environment. This "change in the environment" is called a stimulus. The "change in the material" is called the response.

> Think of it like this: When you touch a hot pot (stimulus), you quickly pull your hand away (response). Smart materials have a built-in stimulus-response action. Part 2: Types of Smart Materials and Their Properties

Let's explore the properties of some common smart materials by looking at their stimulus and response.

Evaluation guide

• B7.2.3.1
• Demonstrate
• understanding of the
• properties of smart and