| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/N67794/01 |
| Title: |
PPA: A TRAVELLING ROADSHOW FOR SCHOOLS & AN EXHIBITION AT THE GUILDFORD DISCOVERY CENTRE |
| Principal Investigator: |
Keddie, Professor JL |
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| Department: |
Sch of Electronics & Physical Sciences |
| Organisation: |
University of Surrey |
| Scheme: |
PPE PreFEC |
| Starts: |
01 April 2001 |
Ends: |
31 March 2003 |
Value (£): |
20,684
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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Polymer materials are ubiquitous in everyday modern life, and in response to the needs of society, EPSRC funds a substantial amount of polymers research. Many people, however, are not necessarily aware of the unique properties of polymers nor of the exciting recent developments in polymer science. In response, a roadshow, called Fantastic Plastic , will be taken to schools. It will consist of a demonstration lecture and hands-on activities, supported by free teaching resource materials, which are linked to the requirements of the National Curriculum. In conjunction with the roadshow, special hands-on exhibits on the theme of plastics will be developed for the Guildford Discovery Centre, which is open to the general public.The content will be related to the science and technology that has been developed from EPSRC support at the University of Surrey and elsewhere. In the roadshow, several phenomena of polymers will be explored in an engaging and informative way. These will include stress birefringence, elasticity (i.e. stretchiness) and plastic deformation (or mouldability), thermal expansion and contraction. The technology of polymers will also feature with, for instance, a demonstration of the vacuum forming of thermoplastics, in which pupils will press plastic pieces to keep for themselves. In a linked demonstration, shape recovery will be shown. Upon taking these vacuum-formed pieces home, the pupils will be more likely to discuss the roadshow with their parents and thereby broaden its impact. Whenever possible, materials used in the roadshow and exhibition will be donated or loaned by UK industry.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.surrey.ac.uk |