Pre-Technical — Materials for Production

Subtopic: Non‑Metallic Materials

Non‑metallic materials are materials that are not metals. They are used every day in Kenyan homes and workshops — for example, jerrycans, clay pots, glass bottles, wooden doors, and tyres. These notes explain types, properties, uses, safety and a few easy activities for age 12 learners.

Common non‑metallic materials

Key properties (what to look for)

• Hard or soft: ceramics and glass are hard; rubber and textiles are soft or stretchy.
• Brittle or flexible: glass is brittle (breaks), plastic can be flexible.
• Waterproof or absorbent: plastic and glass are waterproof; wood and textiles can absorb water.
• Insulator: most non‑metals do not conduct electricity (they are insulators).
• Transparent or opaque: glass is clear; wood and ceramics are opaque.

Common uses in production

Non‑metallic materials are used to make everyday products: tools, containers, housewares, clothing, roof tiles and more. For example, plastics make light containers for transporting water; ceramics make strong cooking pots and tiles.

Safety and environmental tips

• Handle glass carefully — broken glass can cut. Use thick gloves or a broom and dustpan to clean shards.
• Do not burn plastic — it makes harmful smoke. Dispose of plastics responsibly and recycle when possible.
• Reuse jerrycans and bottles safely for water only if clean. Old tyres and plastics can be turned into craft items.
• Biodegradable materials (like wood and cloth) can be composted; plastics and some ceramics cannot.

Easy classroom activities (safe)

1. Material hunt: In small groups, list 10 non‑metal items at home. Write their use and one property (e.g., "plastic jerrycan — waterproof").
2. Magnet test: Use a small magnet. Items that are non‑metallic do not stick. (Do this to learn which items are not metal.)
3. Transparency test: Shine a torch through different materials (paper, thin plastic, glass) to see which let light through.
4. Flex test: Gently bend small pieces of plastic, rubber and wood to see which are flexible. Do not force or break items.

Mini project (group)

Make a "Materials Poster": collect small samples or photos of non‑metallic materials, glue them onto cardboard and label the name, one property and one use. Add drawings or recycled items for decoration.

Important words

• Non‑metallic: not made of metal.
• Brittle: breaks easily (e.g., glass).
• Flexible: can bend without breaking (e.g., rubber).
• Insulator: does not let electricity pass easily.
• Biodegradable: can be broken down by nature (e.g., wood).

Quick quiz (write answers on a sheet)

1. True or False: Glass is a good conductor of electricity.
2. Give one use of rubber in your home.
3. What should you do with a broken bottle?
4. Name one non‑metallic material that can be recycled.

Good work! Try the activities with your class and bring your poster to show how many non‑metal materials you can find in your community.