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Processing raw materials into useful products: from plants (strawberries…
Processing raw materials into useful products: from plants (strawberries to jam) and soil (clay to bricks).
Natural Sciences (NS)
Skills: observing, comparing, predicting, recording. Values: curiosity and care for the environment.
1. Properties of raw and processed materials
Materials have observable properties (texture, smell, hardness), and processing changes these properties (DBE, 2011).
Learners touch, observe and smell strawberries, jam, clay and fired bricks. They predict how each material will change, then record similarities and differences.
2. Sources of materials
Raw materials come from living things (plants) and non-living things (soil and rock) (Naudé & Meier, 2025).
Groups sort objects by material source and justify their groupings. Pictures of strawberry farming and brick-making are used to check misconceptions.
Reference list
• Bybee, R.W., Taylor, J.A., Gardner, A., Van Scotter, P., Powell, J.C., Westbrook, A. & Landes, N. 2006. The BSCS 5E instructional model: Origins and effectiveness. Colorado Springs: BSCS.
• Department of Basic Education (DBE). 2011. Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS): Life Skills, Foundation Phase Grades 1–3. Pretoria: DBE.
• Harlen, W. 2013. Assessment and inquiry-based science education: Issues in policy and practice. Trieste: Global Network of Science Academies.
• Naudé, M. & Meier, C. 2025.
Technology
Skills: investigating, designing, making, evaluating. Values: appreciation of ingenuity and safe working practices.
1. Processing as a technological process
People apply sequenced processes (for example cooking, shaping and firing) to meet needs (DBE, 2011).
Learners arrange picture cards showing the steps of jam-making and brick-making, then draw a simple process flow chart.
2. Fitness for purpose of products
The suitability of a product depends on the properties of the material it is made from (Harlen, 2013).
Learners compare unprocessed and processed materials and decide which is best for building a home, giving reasons.
Social Sciences (SS)
Skills: interpreting pictures, discussing, communicating. Values: respect for workers and for community needs.
1. Work and workers
Many workers (farmers, pickers, brick-makers) contribute to producing goods (DBE, 2011).
Learners view images and videos, identify the workers and their roles, and draw one product from plants and one from soil.
2. Community needs and use of resources
Communities use products differently according to their needs and environment (DBE, 2011).
Group discussion: "Why do we need jam and bricks?" and "How do communities use them differently?" Groups share their findings.