What Matters Most?: Materials

Paul Mason (Author) Paul's books cover a wide range of subjects, from whether the Romans ate crisps to how to build the world's best skatepark, but he writes mostly about sport. Whether you are interested in swimming, cycling, snowboarding, surfing or another sport, Paul has probably written something that will inspire you to get out and give it a try. Paul writes in a shack by the beach, which he shares with his one-eyed surf dog, Daisy. Nigel Baines (Illustrator) Nigel Baines is an experienced illustrator and book designer who has worked for various trade publishing houses. He is a keen walker and would like to spend half the year living on top of the Andes. His other great loves are Grantham Town Football Club and any kind of travel.

1: Which material matters most?
1: Wood: Material from trees
1: Paper: Endlessly useful
1: Rock: Material from the earth
1: Concrete: Rock you can pour
1: Plastic: The shapeshifting material
1: Wool: Material from nature
1: Human-made fabric: Material from chemicals
1: Glass: See-through sand?
1: Hard metal: The strongest material?
1: Soft metal: Metal you can shape
1: Rubber: Soft and stretchy
1: And the winner is ...
1: Glossary
1: Materials and the environment