Concrete

High school (ages 12+)
Making & Design

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/concrete

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the key reaction?Hydration: chemical reaction between cement and water forming calcium silicate hydrates (C-S-H)
2. What is the primary application?Construction of buildings, bridges, dams, roads, and other infrastructure
3. How does concrete turn from liquid to solid?When water mixes with cement, a chemical reaction called hydration creates tiny crystals that lock the mix together, making it hard.
4. Why is concrete good for building tall buildings?Concrete is very strong when it is squeezed (compressive strength) and can support heavy loads like floors and columns.

Pozzolan: A siliceous and aluminous material that reacts with calcium hydroxide in the presence of water to form cementitious compounds.
Admixtures: Chemical or mineral additives used to modify the properties of fresh or hardened concrete.
Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs): Materials like fly ash or slag that can replace a portion of Portland cement, reducing environmental impact.