Materials Science Workshop

Next Workshop:
October 27, 2007, at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

This day-long workshop for high school and community college chemistry and physics teachers was developed by Professor Frank DiSalvo in 1997. The workshop builds upon the curriculum developed by Professor Art Ellis in, Teaching General Chemistry: A Materials Science Companion. Cornell faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates present a series of experiments relating to the field of materials science designed for classroom use. Teachers are given the opportunity to go through the activities at their own pace and interact with the presenters to gain a thorough understanding of the science behind each one.

Topics for the October 2007 workshop will include, but are not limited to:

• Polymer synthesis

• Superconductors

• Electrospinning

• Solid state crystal models

• Science of Shrinky-Dinks

• Light-emitting diodes

• Breathable fabrics

• Work hardening

• Observing Brownian motion

• Memory metal
• Nano-wires

• and much more

Breakfast and lunch are provided, and teachers attending the program will earn a $50 stipend, receive a copy of Teaching General Chemistry: A Materials Science Companion by Arthur Ellis et al, as well as other classroom materials. In-service and professional development credit hours are also available.

Download a registration form. Please return all forms to the CCMR Educational Program Office by October 19. Teachers will be accepted on a rolling basis, but space is limited.

If you have other questions please contact the Educational Programs office by phone (607) 255-1486; fax (607) 255-3957; or email.

All activities will be held in Baker Labs on the Cornell campus in Ithaca, NY. Schedule for Saturday, October 27, 2007:

• 9:00-9:30 Check-in and light breakfast
• 9:30-10:00 Introduction to Materials Science and Lecture on Polymeric Materials
• 10:00-12:00 Laboratory work and demos on polymeric materials
• 12:00-1:00 Lunch
• 1:00 - 1:30 Lecture on Non-Polymeric Materials
• 1:30-3:30 Laboratory work and demos on non-polymeric materials
• 3:30-4:00 Evaluations

Here are a few comments on previous Materials Science Workshops:

"As always Cornell has done an excellent job of putting on this workshop. The presence of so many professors and graduate students greatly enhances the presentation. It was a good mixture of items applicable to both chemistry and physics."

~Anonymous

 

"The jewel of the day was the solid-state model kit. I assembled a salt molecule and kids who had not shown much interest were captivated. I can't thank you enough for an enlightening day and the wonderful model kit."

~ Patricia H. Brennan, Chemistry Dept., Wayne Central High School, Ontario Center, NY