MAKING STUFF: Stronger, Smaller Cleaner, Smarter is a four-part PBS prime-time television series from the award-winning producers of NOVA, developed in partnership with the Materials Research Society. The first episode, MAKING STUFF: Stronger, aired on Wednesday January 19, 2011 and then followed by the other episodes for 4 consecutive weeks of viewing. MAKING STUFF presented dramatic stories about the materials that are transforming our world. From the invention of ancient bronze to today’s “smart” materials and semiconductors, Making Stuff showed how materials have changed history and are continuing to shape our future.
While reports on “smart materials” or “bionic humans” are familiar enough from TV news and magazine shows, Making Stuff was the first documentary to provide the basic science behind these and many other technology breakthroughs. Each of the four one-hour public television programs – Stronger, Smaller, Cleaner, and Smarter – embraced developments in traditional and emerging materials as well as current research in rapidly expanding fields such as nanotechnology and biomaterials. This series explored the human stories that helped shape important breakthroughs in the past – the visionary talent, sheer luck, and dogged determination that turned a wild idea into a useful material. We invite you to view the following articles from the MRS Bulletin regarding MRS’ involvement with this project.
Education Outreach Component
MAKING STUFF created a nation-wide education outreach campaign about the materials that are transforming our world. Approximately 35 Community Coalitions were formed nationwide by science centers, academic institutions, research centers and local community organizations to assist youth, families, young adults, educators, engineers, and scientists to come together and explore materials science in an entertaining and educational exploration. Using the turnkey MAKING STUFF resources, each local or regional institution or partnership hosted public events, demonstrations, workshops, and science cafes for youth, families, young adults, educators, engineers, and scientists to come together and explore materials science. (We invite you to view a list of selected activities, materials and events.)
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We invite you to join us in a dynamic science & technology program designed to entice young people and families into the world of materials science.
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