Definition: A hard, brittle, inorganic, nonmetallic material, usually made from a materal, such as clay, then firing it at a high tempature.
Alright class, settle down, let’s take a look! Today we’re tackling the word “ceramic,” and I'll break it down for you, nice and clear. The dictionary gives us a good start, don’t you agree? Let’s unpack that definition carefully. “Hard, brittle, inorganic, nonmetallic…” That sounds like quite a mouthful! Let’s go through it piece by piece: Hard: Ceramic things are strong and tough, they can take a bit of a thump! Brittle: But be careful, don't you see? They break if you drop them – not flexible, you agree! Inorganic: That means it’s not from living things, no plants or animals, just minerals and rings. Nonmetallic: It doesn't have the sparkle of metal bright, but is made of stuff that isn’t metallic light. And then we get to the source: “Usually made from a material… such as clay.” Clay is the key ingredient, you see! Finally, "then firing it at a high temperature." This is where the magic happens, class! When heated up so hot, the clay changes and hardens, forming something beautiful and strong. That's what makes ceramic – a transformed material, all along! So, in simple terms, “ceramic” means things made from clay that have been baked really, really hot. Do you understand now? Any questions about this fascinating substance we call "ceramic"?