2. introduction
Materials are used to make many objects that we use everyday.
Wood, metal, plastic, glass and fabric are some materials that we
use.
Materials are not all the same. They have different properties.
Some materials are natural and others are man-made.
In this book you will be finding out about different materials and
how they are used.
3. Wood
Wood comes from trees which are grown in many parts of the
world.
We use wood to make lots of things that we use everyday. Things
like furniture, boats, musical instruments and paper are made
from wood.
We use wood to make these things because it looks nice, it’s stiff
and it can be shaped.
Wood is a natural material.
4. Metal
Metal comes from rocks. They are dug up from underground and
taken to a special factory to be heated and turned into pure metal.
We use metal to make lots of things that we use everyday. Things
like keys, cars, watches, saucepans and knives and forks are made
from metal.
We use metal to make these things because it is strong, hard,
smooth and easy to clean.
Metal is usually manufactured before it is made into something
which can be used.
5. Plastic
Most plastics are made from oil.
We use plastics to make lots of things that we use everyday.
Things like toothbrushes, chairs, balls and cups are made from
plastic.
We use plastic to make these things because it can be made bendy
or stiff, rough or smooth. It is easy to wash clean and is cheap to
make.
Plastic is a man-made material.
6. Glass
Glass is made from very fine sand, which is heated until it melts.
We use glass to make lots of things that we use everyday. Things
like bottles, windows, television screens, light bulbs, glasses to
drink from and glasses to help us see are made from glass.
We use glass to make these things because it is hard, easy to clean,
you can see through it and it’s strong.
Glass is a man-made material.
7. Fabric
Fabric comes from plants and animals.
We use fabrics to make lots of things that we use everyday. Things
like clothes, carpets, curtains and sofa covers are made from
fabric.
We use fabrics to make these things because it is light, warm, soft
and easy to sew.