A catalyst is something that helps a reaction to happen. A catalyst allows molecules to come together and react when they stick to its surface. To turn harmful greenhouse gasses into ones that are better for the environment, it is important to have the right catalyst for the reaction. Metal catalysts like gold and silver are very effective, but they are very expensive. Luckily, researchers can replicate their surfaces by changing the surfaces of cheap metals like copper and iron. The metal catalysts are used again and again so they must be both effective and reusable.
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. There is also a Student Worksheet.
This Instructor’s 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.
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.
There is also a PowerPoint presentation available that was used in the original design challenge implementation.