Material Testing Worksheet

Name:

Date:

Learning Objective: SCN 3-15a - Through research and investigation, I can explain the properties and uses of materials

Materials testing laboratory illustration

🔬 Task 1: Testing Stations Results Table

Instructions: Visit each testing station and record your observations about each material's properties. Use the scale: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor

Material	Strength	Flexibility	Transparency	Absorbency
Wood
Plastic
Metal
Fabric
Paper

🤔 Task 2: Predictions vs Results

Instructions: Before testing, tick your prediction for each property. After testing, record whether your prediction was correct or incorrect.

1. Which material do you predict will be the strongest?

Wood

Plastic

Metal

Fabric

Paper

Result: My prediction was _____________ because _________________________________

2. Which material do you predict will be the most flexible?

Wood

Plastic

Metal

Fabric

Paper

Result: My prediction was _____________ because _________________________________

3. Which material do you predict will be the most transparent?

Wood

Plastic

Metal

Fabric

Paper

Result: My prediction was _____________ because _________________________________

4. Which material do you predict will be the most absorbent?

Wood

Plastic

Metal

Fabric

Paper

Result: My prediction was _____________ because _________________________________

🌉 Task 3: The Big Question

Which material would be best for building a bridge? Why?

Instructions: Use your test results to explain your choice. Think about which properties are most important for a bridge and justify your answer with evidence from your experiments.

Extension: What other factors might engineers consider when choosing materials for real bridges?