When we learn about ancient technology, we study materials, different kinds of stuff that are used to make things.
When we learn about ancient technology, we study materials. Materials are the different kinds of stuff that are used to make things.
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Stone was the first material used for human technology. Stone lasts a long time.
Stone, the first material used for human technology, lasts a long time.
Under compression, a pushing force that tends to make something shorter, stone is strong.
Under compression stone is strong. Compression is a pushing force that tends to make something shorter.
Wood is equally strong in both tension and compression, but it is not durable. Durable means long-lasting.
Wood is equally strong in both tension and compression, but it is not durable, or long-lasting.
Beams, the long pieces that hold up floors and roofs, are sturdy when they are made of wood.
Beams are the long pieces that hold up floors and roofs. Beams are sturdy when they are made of wood.
Clay is the third material that prehistoric humans used often. Clay is very workable.
Clay, the third material that prehistoric humans used often, is very workable.
Mud bricks have low compressive strength, or strength in compression.
Mud bricks have low compressive strength. Compressive strength is strength in compression.
Clay that has been fired is transformed into something that is a new material. Transformed means changed.
Clay that has been fired is transformed, or changed, into something that is a new material.
Mud bricks are very different if they have been heated in a kiln (a very hot furnace or oven).
Mud bricks are very different if they have been heated in a kiln. A kiln is a very hot furnace or oven.
Terra-cotta is from Latin words that mean baked earth. Terra-cotta is stronger than air-dried clay.
Terra-cotta (from Latin words that mean "baked earth") is stronger than air-dried clay.
Terra-cotta is strong but not malleable (able to be hammered into a new shape).
Terra-cotta is strong but not malleable. Malleable means able to be hammered into a new shape.
Most metals are malleable. Malleable means able to be hammered into a new shape without breaking or cracking.
Most metals are malleable, or able to be hammered into a new shape without breaking or cracking.
Stone is strong, but it is certainly not able to be hammered into shape without cracking, or malleable (from a Latin word that means "hammer").
Stone is strong, but it is certainly not able to be hammered into shape without cracking, or malleable. Malleable is from a Latin word that means "hammer."
Bronze is stronger and easier to work with than copper. Bronze is a mixture of copper with a small amount of tin.
Bronze (a mixture of copper with a small amount of tin) is stronger and easier to work with than copper.