Physical Science

Unit 5: Diversity of Matter

Use for a new material

Introduction:

Materials are used in every aspect of life, and scientists actively work on making new materials and improving the materials we already use.

Task:

For this project, imagine you are part of a research team. Your team is working on a new material and wants to gain continued support for this research.

Process:

Working in groups of 2 or 3, select an area of material science to investigate. You may focus on biomedical, chemical, electronic, or structural materials. Learn about current research in this area. Is there a specific need that scientists are trying to meet? Is there a new material being developed that may be used in many areas of life? Choose an actual new material or imagine one of your own – but be sure you can describe its properties. As a group, come up with a persuasive argument in favor of your team's research. Be sure to acknowledge challenges or obstacles that may exist. You may wish to role play this team meeting as a class demonstration.

Resources:

What is Materials Science?

http://www.strangematterexhibit.com/whatis.html

Materials Science and Engineering

http://www.gfe.com/opencms2/opencms/en_gfe-online.de/GfE_Unternehmensprofil/Forschung_und_Entwicklung.html

http://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/newsrel/science/mccomposite.htm

http://mse.stanford.edu/about_mse/index.html

Materials in Everyday Life

http://www.crc4mse.org/MEL/Index.html

Current Topics in Material Science

http://www.lbl.gov/msd/new_hl_year.html

http://materialsscience.pwr.wroc.pl/