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ACTDEK013: Investigate the ways in which products, services and environments evolve locally, regionally and globally through the creativity, innovation and enterprise of people and communities.
ACTDEP024: Critique needs or opportunities for designing, and investigate materials, components, tools, equipment and processes to achieve intended designed solutions.
ACTDEP035: The nature of materials and their properties in design and technologies, such as metals in metalwork.
Aboriginal Cultural Standards Framework: Cultural Responsiveness Standard - Staff embed Aboriginal cultural knowledge, such as traditional use of ferrous and non-ferrous materials in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, to demonstrate respect for community values and environmental stewardship.
Cross-Curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures - Students explore pre-contact and contemporary uses of Australian metals to understand Indigenous innovation and adaptation in material properties.
Ferrous metals contain iron as their main component, making them strong but prone to rust when exposed to moisture and oxygen. Common examples include steel and cast iron, which are magnetic and widely used in construction due to their high strength and durability. These metals can be alloyed with other elements to enhance properties like corrosion resistance, such as in stainless steel. However, without proper coatings, ferrous metals may deteriorate over time, requiring maintenance in outdoor applications. Non-ferrous metals, on the other hand, do not contain iron and are generally resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for environments with high moisture. Examples include aluminium, copper, and brass, which offer excellent conductivity for electrical wiring and lightweight strength for aerospace uses. These metals are non-magnetic and often more malleable, allowing easy shaping without breaking.
Properties like conductivity, malleability, and ductility define how metals perform in design projects. Conductivity refers to the ability to transmit heat or electricity, crucial for wiring in electronics. Malleability allows metals to be hammered into sheets, while ductility enables drawing into wires without snapping. Ferrous metals excel in strength for load-bearing structures like bridges, but require protection against rust. Non-ferrous metals, being lighter, are preferred in transportation to reduce weight and fuel consumption. Incorporating Indigenous perspectives, Aboriginal communities in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions have used natural metal properties sustainably, repurposing materials for tools that respect the land. For instance, resistant non-ferrous elements were valued for longevity in harsh environments. This knowledge promotes ethical material selection in modern design.
Year 7 students learn to select metals based on project needs, balancing strength with environmental impact. Ferrous metals support heavy-duty applications, while non-ferrous offer versatility in conductive or lightweight designs. Understanding these properties fosters innovation, integrating cultural awareness for sustainable technology. (Word count: 350)
Here are 20 words from the reading for spelling practice (click to hear the word and a longer sentence with context and meaning):