Graphene: An Adaptable Engineering Design Project

Y

15

Teaching Methods; Design; Engineering Education; Secondary School Students; Undergraduate Students; Constructivism (Learning); Instructional Materials; Student Projects; Comparative Analysis; Problem Solving; Research Design; Laboratory Experiments

2154-6282

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.

As Provided

2020

EJ1255706