The Unit Is Divided Into 6 Sections. Each Unit Focuses on Materials in Wales and How Materials

MATERIALS

The unit is divided into 6 Sections. Each unit focuses on materials in Wales and how materials are used in the locality.

Section 1 includes interactive activities that introduce children to materials that they encounter in their environment on a regular basis and look at where those materials come from in Wales.

Section 2 is an interactive map of Wales that shows how Welsh materials have been used and then extends learning by asking questions about uses of materials in their environment.

Section 3 is an interactive activity that allows children to consider which modern day materials are natural and which are man-made.

Section 4 is an interactive timeline that demonstrates the demise of the Welsh coal industry over several decades.

Section 5 looks at the importance of good transport routes for the success of major industries.

Section 6 is a moviemaker presentation that introduces the children to people who have used Welsh materials to benefit Wales and the world.

SUMMARY OF SECTION ONE

Section 1 includes interactive activities that introduce children to materials that they encounter in their environment on a regular basis. The children identify the materials, identify where these raw materials can be found in Wales.

Suitable for KS2

Aims and Objectives:

·  Become aware of where the raw materials around them originate from

·  Use maps and ICT to find locational information

·  Identify and describe natural and human features

·  Observe and ask questions about a place or environment

Further activity suggestions:

Can they identify places in their environment where natural materials are sourced?

Can they use Ordnance Survey maps of Wales to identify quarries, woodlands, mines etc?

SUMMARY OF SECTION TWO

Section Two is an interactive map of Wales that identifies where many everyday materials come from. The children click on the place names to see where the materials come from. The children are asked questions to extend their learning.

Aims and Objectives:

·  Compare features and properties of some natural and made materials

·  Understand some of the properties of materials relating to their uses

·  Be aware of how some materials are formed or produced

Further activity suggestions:

Where can they find other examples in their environment of each of the materials being used?

Can they suggest other materials that could be used instead?

SUMMARY OF SECTION THREE

Section three includes and interactive activity where children consider the types of modern day materials we have in out environment and decide whether those materials are natural or man-made.

Aims and Objectives:

·  Sort materials according to natural and man-made

·  To consider the uses of modern day materials

·  To consider the properties of man-made and natural materials and their uses

Further activity suggestions:

Research and find examples of where some of these materials could be made in their locality Wales. (Yellow pages, websites, industrial estates, parent employment etc).

SUMMARY OF SECTION FOUR

This section is a study of the demise of the Welsh coal industry. The children click on the sequenced timeline to identify where the coal mines have closed over several decades.

Aims and Objectives:

·  Use timelines to sequence events

·  Identify differences between ways of life at different times

·  Understand why people did things, what caused specific events and the consequences of those events

Further activity suggestions:

Study where the local coal - mines were in their vicinity.

Research why the coalmines closed – decline in the demand for coal.

Compare changes to industry in their area – products, demand etc.

‘Hotseat’ a miner to find out about conditions/comparisons with today etc.

SUMMARY OF SECTION FIVE

The activity in this section looks at the importance of good transport routes for the success of major industry.

Aims and Objectives:

·  To understand why transport routes are important for the success of heavy industry

·  To consider the types of transport routes in Wales and locate them on a map

·  To discuss the history of transport and how the importance of particular routes has changed

Further activity suggestions:

Use the O.S maps/atlases to find the main road, rail, canal routes in Wales.

Research major industries in Wales and locate them on a map..

SUMMARY OF SECTION SIX

This section covers examples of how famous people have used local materials to change Wales and the world. The ‘Moviemaker’ presentation shows examples of the works of Thomas Telford and John Wilkinson.

Aims and Objectives:

·  Identify significant people and describe events within and across periods

·  Plan the investigative approach to be used, suggesting how to find relevant information.

·  Reflect on their findings and the investigative approach used

·  Communicate ideas, opinions and conclusions with increasing independency in a variety of ways

Further activity suggestions:

Research Welsh connections and materials with local architecture and places of significant interest.

Do an in-depth research task on Telford, Wilkinson or Welsh architect, designer, manufacturer etc.