QTC: A Remarkable New Material to Control Electricity

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This booklet is part of the ‘Innovations in Practical Work’ series published by the Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme (SEP). QTC (Quantum Tunnelling Composite) looks rather ordinary, but this rubbery black material shows remarkable properties. When squeezed its electrical resistance drops, and this unique property opens up a huge range of domestic and commercial applications. Just as remarkable is the low cost of QTC, which means that whole class practical work is easily affordable. It is simple and safe to use, and provides an interesting context for teaching about electrical circuits, with many possibilities for open-ended investigations.

The QTC booklet contains an illustrated overview of the topic with suggestions for teachers on how to introduce the ideas in the classroom, plus student activity sheets and notes for teachers and technicians.

The downloadable resources include:
• Student activities: zip files containing the activity sheets in PDF and editable Word formats.
• PowerPoint presentations: these contain a complete set of the images used in the booklet and activity sheets.
• Video clips of the inventor of QTC, David Lussey, describing how it was developed.

The ‘Innovations in Practical Work’ publications are supported by low-cost practical resources available from Mindsets:
• SEP publications and resources from Mindsets
• Practical resources for QTC

URL: http://stem.org.uk/rx4dp

HEALTH and SAFETY
Any use of a resource that includes a practical activity must include a risk assessment. Please note that collections may contain ARCHIVE resources, which were developed at a much earlier date. Since that time there have been significant changes in the rules and guidance affecting laboratory practical work. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.