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Low-Cost, Experimental Curriculum in Materials Science Using Candy Glass Part 2: Home-Built Apparatuses

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 April 2014

William R. Heffner and
Himanshu Jain
William R. Heffner
Affiliation:
International Materials Institute for New Functionality in Glass, Lehigh University, 7 Asa Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
Himanshu Jain
Affiliation:
International Materials Institute for New Functionality in Glass, Lehigh University, 7 Asa Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
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Abstract

We have been developing a collection of low-cost experiments for exploring the science of glassy materials through hands-on activities with sucrose based glass (a.k.a. hard candy). These form a mini-curriculum of glass science, consisting of inter-related experiments and home built apparatuses. It provides an environment to develop an understanding of glassy materials through active, prolonged engagement. Some of our earlier experiments were reported four years ago[1]. Since that report we have made substantial improvements and added new topics, including electrical and thermal conductivity, an improved DTA apparatus, and improved methodology for crystallization kinetics. All of our experiments are designed to be low-cost (typically <$100) and the apparatuses are designed for construction by students or teachers.

Keywords

differential thermal analysis (DTA)educationthermal conductivity

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References

REFERENCES

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