The world-renowned public television
science series NOVA, working in cooperation with the Materials Research
Society (MRS), introduced the science of materials to the general public
for the first time in January 2011, when MAKING STUFF: Stronger, Smaller, Cleaner, Smarter first aired.
The fascinating four-hour series returned to PBS in September 2012 to take viewers on a thrilling tour of the materials world. MAKING STUFF
presents dramatic stories detailing the field of materials science, how
it has changed history and how it is shaping our future. Each one-hour
episode—Stronger, Smaller, Cleaner, and Smarter—gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at scientific innovations happening every day.
MAKING STUFF is hosted by respected journalist, New York Times technology columnist, and Emmy Award-winning CBS News correspondent David Pogue.
For more information visit www.pbs.org/nova/makingstuff.
Check local listings for programming times.
  
Join In—Community Education Outreach
Once again, we invite you
to reach out to community partners in a nation-wide education outreach
promotion. Host public events, demonstrations, workshops, and science
cafés where youth, families, young adults, educators, engineers and
scientists can come together and explore materials science.
We encourage you to seek out community
partnerships and embark on a remarkable science and technology
exploration. Contact old and new friends and discuss developing
activities to promote an understanding of materials science. View this
list for possible collaboration partners in your community.
Using the following resource links, each
local or regional institution or partnership can find a vast array of
educational resources:
MAKING STUFF Education Collection
Check out NOVA’s new online collection
of video resources for educators. Use this collection of videos to
inspire your classroom and presentations: find a video clip to start a
discussion with your students, incorporate an activity or demonstration
into your class, or get some ideas about how these resources can be
strung together with our example lesson plan.
And don't miss, What's This Stuff?,
a game to identify ten mystery materials using videos and clue cards.
In this interactive lesson, learn about properties of materials such as
tensile and compressive strength, toughness, hardness, ductility,
malleability, flexibility, electrical and thermal conductivity, and
resistance to molds, water, heat, and corrosion. Put your materials
knowledge to the test!
Don’t forget the MAKING STUFF Resource Toolkit and Activities Guide
to engage your community! With these materials you can create
after-school and community programs for middle and high school youth,
families, educators, and engineers and scientists that explore materials
science. "Viewers" become active "doers" in the process of science and
engineering. You will also find all the promotional materials you need
to host an event.
Host a MAKING STUFF Themed Science Café
Check out NOVA’s MAKING STUFF Online Toolkit for topic ideas, materials and tips on how to host your own café. Or find a Science Café near you at www.sciencecafes.org/find and learn about partnering or speaking at an established Café series.
Join in the MAKING STUFF Share-a-Thon
Connect with other viewers from around the globe while watching the re-airing of MAKING STUFF by visiting the MRS Facebook page! More information available soon.
Even More Resources
One-Stop Shop
Some of your old favorites, as well as new collections of
tested hands-on activities and videos from award winning websites such as Strange Matter, NISE Network & NanoDays, How to Smile and Materials Marvels, can be found at this One-Stop Shop.
National Chemistry Week
Join the celebration as the American Chemical Society
honors its 25th anniversary of National Chemistry Week, Oct 21-27, with Nano Technology: The Smallest BIG Idea in Science.
Tweet the Elements
Visit the MRS Twitter page to experience the periodic table of elements like you never have before—in tweet form!
If you have any questions or need help making connections to other groups in your community, contact: Richard Souza, Manager, Education and Outreach, Materials Research Society.
Articles from MRS Bulletin regarding MRS’ involvement in developing this project.
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