Materials with the same identity can behave very differently depending on the material’s morphology. The morphology of a material is its structure, size, and surface. In a research laboratory, we change the morphology of a material by changing the method we use to make the material. One technique we use is called electrospinning and it produces a tiny string-like morphology. The challenge is to create a morphology of our material that will help us solve a specific problem. One problem we are using electrospinning and morphology to solve is protecting antibodies. Antibodies allow us to detect small molecules, and to create a sensor to detect these molecules. However, antibodies are very fragile and break down quickly in the open air. We want to use electrospinning to create a material to protect antibodies.
The student handout will be given to all students working on the design challenge. It gives a brief recap of the story, it helps the students identify what they are attempting to achieve, and it recaps the design process.
This Facilitator Guide provides the instructor additional information on how to run the design challenge with alternatives for materials and test setups as well as information to help make the design challenge a good educational experience. In addition there is a PowerPoint.
The Telling the Story Video conveys the societal impact of the student’s research that is the basis for the design challenge and will set the problem-solving context for students.
The Design Challenge Video leads students through the design process. It indicates materials available, states what the criteria are for success and any constraints. It also gives a second ‘level’ of the design challenge that allows ‘early completers’ to move on to a slightly more difficult challenge.