Natural vs Synthetic Materials

What is the primary difference between natural and synthetic materials?

• Natural materials are made in factories, while synthetic materials come from nature.

• Synthetic materials are found in nature, while natural materials are human-made.

• Natural materials come from the Earth, while synthetic materials are created or altered by humans.

• Synthetic materials are always better for the environment than natural materials.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-3

What is one reason why synthetic materials are often used instead of natural materials?

• They are more environmentally friendly.
• They are more expensive to produce.

• They are easier to recycle and turn into other materials.

• They are more durable and resistant to wear.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-3

What is a potential disadvantage of using synthetic materials?

• Environmental impact due to non-biodegradability.
• Higher durability and strength than natural fibers.
• Lower production costs compared to natural materials.
• Better insulation properties than organic materials.

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NGSS.MS-PS1-3

Which of these is an example of a product made from both natural and synthetic materials?

• A plastic bottle made from refining crude oil

• A wool sweater made from the fleece of a sheep

• A glass jar made from melting sand

• A t-shirt made of a blend of cotton and polyester

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NGSS.MS-PS1-3

Why might scientists create synthetic alternatives to natural materials?

• Synthetic materials can be designed to have specific properties that natural materials do not have.

• Natural materials are not useful for making products.

• Natural materials always cost more than synthetic ones so it's more beneficial to make a higher profit.

• Synthetic materials are always better for the environment therefore it's important to use them to protect animals.

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NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

NGSS.MS-PS1-3

Sort the following materials as natural or synthetic.

Groups:

(a) Natural

,

(b) Synthetic

• coal

• nylon

• styrofoam

• ice cream

• kevlar

• sunlight

• aluminum

• chicken eggs

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-3

True or false? Synthetic materials are completely human-made and do not include any natural resources.

• True

• False

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NGSS.MS-PS1-3