Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 3

Lesson Video

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Performance objectives

• Define compliant materials and their importance.
• Identify factors that influence their selection.
• Discuss the risks of using non-compliant materials.

Lesson summary

This lesson introduces the concept of compliant materials and explores the critical factors we consider when choosing them for making different products. From the rubber used for our "charle wote" (slippers) to the beautiful fabric of our school uniforms and the leather for our belts, compliant materials are all around us. Understanding why a specific material is chosen for a specific job is a key skill for any future designer, engineer, artisan, or even a wise consumer. This knowledge helps us make better products, save money, and create items that are both beautiful and long-lasting.

Lesson notes

A. What are Compliant Materials?

In simple terms, compliant materials are materials that are flexible, soft, and can be easily bent, folded, or stretched without breaking. They "comply" or yield to force. They are the opposite of resistant materials like wood, metal, and concrete, which are rigid and hard.

Think of it this way: You can easily fold a T-shirt (made of cotton, a compliant material). You cannot easily fold a wooden desk (made of a resistant material).

Examples of Compliant Materials: