🔬 Part 1: Investigation Planning

1. Design an investigation to test which material would be best for making a waterproof container. Complete your investigation plan below:

Research Question: ________________________________________________

Hypothesis: I predict that _________________ will be the best material because _________________________________________________

Variables:

Independent variable (what I will change): _________________________________

Dependent variable (what I will measure): __________________________________

Controlled variables (what I will keep the same): ________________________

Safety considerations:

2. List the materials and equipment you would need for your investigation:

🧪 Part 2: Material Properties Analysis

3. For each material property, explain why it would be important when choosing materials for the following purposes:

a) Flexibility for sports equipment:

b) Transparency for safety goggles:

c) Thermal conductivity for cooking pots:

4. Match the material with its most suitable application and justify your choice:

1. Fibreglass

2. Stainless steel

3. Polystyrene foam

4. Tempered glass

A. Insulation material

B. Car windscreen

C. Boat hull

D. Kitchen sink

Justify your matches using scientific reasoning:

⚗️ Part 3: Reversible and Irreversible Changes

5. Classify the following changes as reversible (R) or irreversible (I) and explain the particle behaviour:

R

I Melting chocolate

Particle explanation: _______________________________________________

R

I Burning paper

Particle explanation: _______________________________________________

R

I Freezing water

Particle explanation: _______________________________________________

R

I Mixing concrete

Particle explanation: _______________________________________________

6. Design an experiment to demonstrate both a reversible and irreversible change using everyday materials:

Reversible change experiment:

Irreversible change experiment:

📊 Part 4: Observations and Data Recording

7. Create a data table to record observations when testing three different materials for strength:

8. Based on your investigation results, write a scientific conclusion using appropriate vocabulary:

Key vocabulary to include: particles, properties, density, conductivity, durability, hypothesis, variables, evidence

9. Evaluate your investigation method. What improvements could you make to increase reliability and validity?

🌏 Part 5: Real-World Applications

10. Research how First Nations Australians traditionally used natural materials. Choose one example and explain the material properties that made it suitable:

Traditional use: ________________________________________________

Natural material: ____________________________________________

Key properties: _____________________________________________

11. Design a sustainable solution: Choose an everyday plastic item and suggest an alternative material that would be more environmentally friendly. Justify your choice:

Plastic item: _______________________________________________

Alternative material: _____________________________________

Scientific justification:

12. Extension Challenge: Predict what properties a material would need to be suitable for use in space exploration. Explain your reasoning using particle theory: