ERIC Number: EJ1255706
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-2154-6282
EISSN: N/A
Graphene: An Adaptable Engineering Design Project
Turner, Ken L., Jr.; Hoffman, Adam; Breitfelder, Scott; Wolf, Hayli; Metcalf, Isabella; Jones, Alexandra
i.e.: inquiry in education, v12 n1 Article 5 2020
Graphene is a novel material with extraordinary promise in various nano-based applications, including increases in strength, conductivity, filtration, and electrical capacity. Graphene can be synthesized and tested in a wide variety of applications in secondary or undergraduate settings. Allowing students to choose their own application and method of testing the graphene they synthesize is an engaging and authentic project based on engineering design and grounded in the tenets of constructivism. One of the many possible applications, reinforcement of paper mache by graphene, is easily adapted, uses familiar materials and methods, is cheap, and is easy to test. This student-centered project has led to increases in student content knowledge and lab skills. It increases students' confidence in designing their own solutions, analyzing data, and using scientific inquiry and engineering design.
Descriptors: Teaching Methods, Design, Engineering Education, Secondary School Students, Undergraduate Students, Constructivism (Learning), Instructional Materials, Student Projects, Comparative Analysis, Problem Solving, Research Design, Laboratory Experiments
Center for Inquiry in Education. National Louis University, 122 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603. Tel: 800-443-5522 x2277; e-mail: digitalcommons@nl.edu; Web site: https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/ie/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A