Question 1: A student is designing a lightweight, portable camping stove. Which material would be most suitable for the outer casing to ensure it is durable yet easy to carry? Explain your choice.

Answer: A suitable material would be aluminium because it is lightweight, durable, and has good thermal conductivity. It ensures the stove is portable and resistant to damage.

Question 2: Describe three properties that are important when selecting a material for a children’s toy that needs to be safe, durable, and appealing.

Answer: Important properties include non-toxicity (safe for children), impact resistance or durability (to withstand rough handling), and bright, attractive appearance (to appeal visually).

Question 3: A designer needs to create a waterproof outdoor clock. Which material would be most appropriate for the clock casing and why?

Answer: A plastic such as polycarbonate or PVC would be appropriate because they are waterproof, weather-resistant, durable, and lightweight.

Question 4: Sketch a design for a ergonomic handle for a cooking pot. Label the key features that make it ergonomic.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a handle with a comfortable grip, possibly curved to fit the hand, with textured or rubberized surface for grip, and a shape that distributes pressure evenly. Labels should include 'curved shape', 'textured surface', and 'comfortable grip'.

Question 5: Design a small, portable storage box for stationery. Choose a suitable material and justify your choice based on cost, durability, and aesthetics.

Answer: A suitable material would be plastic such as polypropylene because it is inexpensive, durable, lightweight, and can be easily coloured or finished to look appealing.

Question 6: A company wants to produce a set of reusable water bottles that are environmentally friendly. Which materials could they consider, and what are the benefits?

Answer: They could consider stainless steel, which is durable and recyclable, or biodegradable plastics made from plant-based materials. Benefits include sustainability, durability, and reduced environmental impact.

Question 7: Sketch a plan for a lightweight, foldable bicycle helmet. Indicate the materials used for the outer shell and inner padding, explaining your choices.

Answer: A correct sketch would show an outer shell made of impact-resistant polystyrene or polycarbonate, with internal foam padding made of expanded polystyrene or foam for comfort and shock absorption. Labels should explain impact resistance for the shell and cushioning for the padding.

Question 8: A designer is creating a decorative lampshade that should be lightweight, see-through, and aesthetically pleasing. Which material would you recommend and why?

Answer: A recommended material is acrylic or transparent plastic because it is lightweight, transparent, and can be shaped into decorative designs, enhancing aesthetics.

Question 9: Explain the importance of considering environmental impact when selecting materials for a new product. Give two examples of sustainable materials.

Answer: Considering environmental impact ensures the product is eco-friendly, reduces waste, and conserves resources. Examples of sustainable materials include bamboo, which is fast-growing and renewable, and recycled aluminium, which reduces energy consumption compared to new aluminium production.