Already well known for the Materials Camp Program for both high school students and teachers, the ASM Materials Education Foundation has launched the Materials Matter program for middle school students. These students work in small groups and use hands-on experiments to explore concepts of physical science (especially chemistry) while learning to draw conclusions and apply basic engineering principles. The program focuses on common materials such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Research has concluded that this type of approach is a proven pathway that will engage and excite students about STEM subjects.
The program encourages students to see the world around them as one in which science is transformed into technology through engineering. The primary goal of the program is to stimulate an interest in learning more about STEM as students move into high school.
This is carried out through partnership organizations including:
- Roper Mountain Science Center, Greenville, SC, 2014-Present (ASTC member)
- University of Washington, 2015-present
- Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), Tampa, FL, 2016-Present (ASTC member)
This proven 15-hour program provides detailed lesson plans, materials lists, additional resources which can be implemented using generally available materials. This program is suitable for museum and science center learning labs, after-school programs, summer camps, makerspace activities and enrichment activities. An extended 30-hour program is in development and will be available in 2017.
Along with partners, the ASM Materials Education Foundation fuels a passionate sense of community, energizes members to excite young people in materials, science, and engineering careers. For more information on becoming a partner contact Jeane Deatherage, Administrator of Foundation Programs, at 800.336.5151, ext. 5533 or Lyle Schwartz, ASM Foundation Trustee and Materials Matter Program Chair.
