Investigating clay
In this activity, students investigate some of the properties of clay such as moisture content, shrinkage and strength.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
identify by appearance and texture the clay types kaolinearthenware and bull clay
determine the water loss that occurs when clays are firstly dried and then heated in a kiln
describe how shrinkage in clays occurs
state some of the changes that occur when clay is fired
effectively use top-loading balances.
Defining ceramics
Dr Ian Brown, a senior research scientist with Industrial Research Limited, explains how the term ‘ceramics’ now has a more expansive meaning. Traditional ceramics are clay-based, but high-performance or advanced ceramics are being developed from a far wider range of inorganic non-metal materials. Advanced ceramics have the properties of high strength, high hardness, high durability and high toughness.
Point of interest
Will ceramic car engines replace the current metal-based ones?
Acknowledgements:
Charlie Pfeifler
Natalija Luketic
NASA
Rich Kaszeta
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
instructions on what you need and what to do
discussion questions
ideas for extending your students
student worksheet.
