Peter F. Swan, Grades 8-12
Hopkins School, CT
Materials Testing Lab (view proposal)
After learning about various modes of failure and suitability of different materials based on their specific properties, students are asked to devise a testing scheme and carry out an investigation of the properties of wood samples under a specific loading condition. Students must design a suitable testing apparatus, write a test plan, carry out the testing, record and analyze data, and conduct statistical analysis to justify their conclusions.
James E. Hanafee, Ph.D. (Metallurgy), Grades 9-12
Foothill High School, CA
Physical and Thermodynamic Properties of Materials (view proposal)
This project will broaden the materials perspective of both students and other science teachers, and it will integrate properties of metals into the traditional chemistry curriculum in a logical manner. The project will contribute to the California State Standards for chemistry and physics. Specimens of various metals and alloys would be made in a specific, uniform geometry suitable for high school chemistry experiments. Students, using a number of tools and techniques, would measure both thermodynamic and physical properties of these metal specimens, and then compare these properties to non-metallic materials.
Lynne Gelinas, Grade 5
Endeavour Elementary Magnet School, FL
Up, Up, and Away (view proposal)
Being full of hot air isn't always a bad thing! Students will build a hot-air balloon while learning about buoyancy, density, gravity and displacement. Groups will experiment with different materials for their balloons, looking for those that are capable of being launched, are durable, and cost effective. A Balloon Blast will be held at the culmination of the unit where groups will have the opportunity to launch their final designs.
View Project Report (pdf)
Brenda Stokes, Grades K-5
Hazelwood Elementary School, KY
Glass: From Start to Finish (view proposal)
In this project, students will research how glass is made in its natural state, the properties of glass, different forms and uses of glass and careers related to glass.
David A. Wright, Grades 9-12
Shawnee Mission South High School, KS
Shredding Does It: Is Homemade Paper Stronger Than Store-Bought Paper? (view proposal)
Students will manufacture their own paper using recycled materials of their own choosing and compare the physical characteristics of their paper to those commercially available. The goal is to produce sheets of paper equal to or greater than (in strength) the common typing paper.
Deanna Adams, Kindergarten
Sloan-Hendrix Elementary, AR
Changes in a Changing World (view proposal)
This is a group of 4 lessons with each lesson containing multiple hands-on experiments at the kindergarten level. Time-line for these lessons is approximately six months.
The students will compare and contrast:
Changes in humans and animals from birth to 5 years.
Sponge and ice experiment outcomes.
Beginnings and endings of all experiments.
Students will make predictions about each experiment, observe, measure, and record by drawing outcomes.
Terry Shlaes, Grade 9
Century High School/Hillsboro School District 1J, OR
How does density of materials affect the relative strength of historical bridge designs? (view proposal)
Ninth graders from an integrated freshman block class will explore the relative strengths of a variety of materials in historical bridge making. Students will study historical bridge design, natural forces on structures, the relationship of material density/strength and conduct an investigation about the differences in relative strength of materials. Their study will include a visit to major bridges in the Portland Metro area, a detailed scaled drawing and a presentation by a local structural engineer. A poster presentation will be made to peers, parents and faculty members about their investigation.
Jenn Veron, Grade 6
Slauson Middle School, CA
Polymers - Giving a Helping Hand (view proposal)
Students will be able to imagine what it would be like to be a material scientist by: learning about, researching, and investigating polymers. Their culminating group project will be to create, advertise, and market a product for the disabled that contains polymers.
Tonya Vowels, Grades 10-12
North Hardin High School, KY
Working on the Chain Gang: Investigating Polymers (view proposal)
Through a series of demonstrations and experiments, students will learn about the characteristics of polymers, learn the vocabulary of polymer chemistry, make models of polymers, classify polymers and test and compare the physical properties of thermoplastic polymers.
Barry G. Sprague, Ph.D., Grade 4
Park View Elementary, MD
Project R.E.S.C.U.E. (Recycling Everyday Solids Classroom Use Everywhere) (view proposal)
Project R.E.S.C.U.E. is an elementary science materials and recycling project for fourth grade students that promotes an awareness and understanding of everyday solid materials while at the same time encouraging recycling efforts.
View Project Report (pdf)
You can also download the above listing of this year's award recipients in pdf format for a printable copy.
"Living in a Material World"-$500 Teacher Grants program aims to provide support and incentive for K-12 teachers to develop and implement science-teaching activities. Thirty-nine proposals were received competing for the 10 available grants. The Teacher/Student Outreach Committee, a subcommittee of the ASM Action in Education Committee, conducted the review and final selection of the winning proposals.
Our sincere thanks to the members of the Teacher/Student Outreach Committee for their invaluable contribution and continued support of the ASM Foundation's educational programs.
Dr. James W. Watson (Chair), AK Steel Corp.
Prof. Christopher C. Berndt, FASM, SUNY at Stony Brook
Dr. Carl Czajkowski, Brookhaven National Laboratory
Dr. Julio G. Maldonado, Intercorr International Inc.
Dr. Vilupanur A. Ravi, FASM, California State Polytechnic University
