In this activity, students will be introduced to the field of materials science as they explore the four main types of materials: metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. They will test the physical and mechanical properties of different material samples, then categorize each material based on their results. Kit contains enough material for 15 groups. Teacher's Guide and Student Study Guide copymasters included. Aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)* Disciplinary Core Ideas: ETS1.A; ETS1.B; PS2.B Performance Expectations: MS-ETS1-1; HS-ETS1-3; HS-PS2-6 Cross Cutting Concepts: Influence of Science, Engineering, and Technology on Society and the Natural World; Structure and Function Engineering Practices: Asking Questions and Defining Problems; Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions; Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information Kit Includes: 30 Aluminum strips 30 Copper strips 30 Tongue depressors 30 Playing cards 30 Tile pieces 30 Glass slides 30 Plastic chips 30 Balloons 30 Plastic bags 15 Steel nails WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD Children under 8 yrs. can choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons. Adult supervision required. Keep uninflated balloons from children. Discard broken balloons at once. DOT Info: Non-regulated *"Next Generation Science Standards" is a registered trademark of Achieve. Neither Achieve nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards was involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.