materials Archives - Education

15 Feb 2022

When the Mattress King met the Queen of Waste

by Claire Hughes | posted in: Chemical Sciences, Earth & Space Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

You're likely to have spotted an old mattress slumbering by the roadside, and they're an environmental nightmare. Here are two Australian's with an innovative solution. Learn how old mattresses can be recycled into household benchtops, splashbacks and flooring in this … Continued

10 Dec 2021

How does 3D printing work?

by Jennifer Chalmers | posted in: Chemical Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

Additive manufacturing has extended past manufacturing and into prototyping, fashion and even medicine. Learn about the different 3D printing devices and the pros and cons of each. This resource is best suited to Year 8 and 10 Chemistry students looking … Continued

17 Aug 2021

Turning mirrors into windows using nanotechnology

by Jennifer Chalmers | posted in: Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

By combining materials science, physics and engineering, scientists have designed a new nano material that can reflect or transmit light on demand. This new material has the potential to turn a window into a mirror on demand, control the amount … Continued

9 Dec 2020

Jane Oppenheim and her career in science-based skincare

by Jennifer Chalmers | posted in: Biological Sciences, Careers In STEM, Chemical Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

Researcher Dr Jane Oppenheim was the 2019 Clunies Ross Entrepreneur of the Year. In this article, you will find out about her career in pharmaceuticals and in the podcast, she talks about how science has laid the basis for both … Continued

30 Nov 2020

Keep cool like a camel

by Deborah Devis | posted in: Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

The two-layer thing may work for technology too. This fascinating article shows an efficient cooling technology that combines chemistry with the biology of camels in the desert. It is suitable for Year 6 Biology students learning about how camels survive … Continued

12 Nov 2020

Can objects bruise like we do?

by Jennifer Chalmers | posted in: Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

Korean scientists continue the quest to make material that bruise possible. This article is well suited to Year 8 and 9 Biology students learning about the body's reaction and defence to outside environments and Year 10 Chemistry students who are … Continued

22 Oct 2020

Honey Goes With The Flow

by Deborah Devis | posted in: Careers In STEM, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

Honey coatings reverse the rules of viscosity. This resource is suitable for Year 7 and 8 Chemistry and Physics students learning about movement of liquids and hydrophobic forces. Word Count: 459 Plug it into the wall Drops of honey … Continued

25 Aug 2020

Self-heal like a squid

by Jennifer Chalmers | posted in: Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

A new material inspired by a natural protein found in squid. This short article is well suited to students in years 5, 8, and 10 to show them how scientific knowledge of materials and species adaptations can be applied to … Continued

13 Aug 2020

Plug it into the wall

by Jennifer Chalmers | posted in: Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

Chemists create ‘smart bricks’ for energy storage. This short article is suitable for year 8 and 10 chemistry and physics students. It demonstrates the importance of an understanding of energy storage and chemical properties in the development of technologies that … Continued

24 Jul 2020

Supercharged bandages improve wound healing

by Jennifer Chalmers | posted in: Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, STEM In Action | 0

Using a new plasma coating on current wound dressings could promote the healing of chronic wounds and reduce patient suffering. This fascinating technological development could be used with Biology and Chemistry students in years 8, 9, and 10 to demonstrate … Continued