Teaching Resources
Episode 226: Preparation for Materials Topic
Our use of materials characterises our history (Stone Age, Iron Age, etc.) and new developments in materials science influence our lives greatly. Here we focus on some important mechanical properties of materials.
This topic provides a good opportunity for calculations using scientific notation as well as unit conversions (e.g. mm2 to m2). It is an excellent area to stimulate project work – many useful measurement techniques can be noted.
Episode 228: The Young modulus
Episode 229: Stress-strain graphs
Advance warning
Many university materials science departments are happy to provide access to their facilities to give students the experience of using ‘real’ equipment, such as tensile testing machines (to measure the Young modulus), and microscopes. Contacts may be made through the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IoM3) www.iom3.org.uk . The Institute also provides resources (including speakers) and has a schools’ affiliation scheme.
Main aims Students will:
|
 |
Prior knowledge
Students are likely to have studied Hooke’s Law. They may also have a broad knowledge of terms which describe materials (stiff, strong, brittle etc.) as well as knowing about different classes of materials (metals, polymers, ceramics…).
It will be helpful if they have learned to use vernier scales and micrometer screw gauges, but they can also learn about them in this topic. (A useful Java applet for the vernier scale is at http://www.phy.ntnu.edu.tw/java/ruler/vernier.html and was available in August 2005)
TAP 228-6: Measure for measure
Where this leads
This topic could lead into a discussion of other important aspects of materials – electrical, thermal, optical, magnetic and other properties.
For students with an interest in both Chemistry and Physics, Materials Science could provide an interesting career path.
Download Word version of Episode 226 (34 Kb)
^ To the top ^