STEM Club Support: the Right Switch

Published by the Royal Academy of Engineering, this activity is aimed at using a new material QTC (Quantum Tunnelling Composite). The aim of the activity is to encourage students to think creatively about new uses for this material. It can be used to make fabric switches for example and it has great potential for helping save on the space and weight that new mobile technologies can create for their users.

URL: http://stem.org.uk/rx584

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Files

PDF document, Category Three Materials

The right switch

Review

Excellent activity

Posted by simmo1977 on 15th August 2012

Activity time: 1 – 2 hours

Level: 4 -6

Prior knowledge:…

Activity time: 1 – 2 hours

Level: 4 -6

Prior knowledge: Electronic circuit components and construction

Subject: DT or Science

Curriculum links: electronics, textiles, energy

Skills: electronic circuit construction, creativity

Preparation time: 1-2 hours

Extra resources: QTC pills, 6V power supply, leads, crocodile clips, fabric, aluminium foil (or copper tape), scissors, ‘Locktronics’ equipment including bulbs, LEDs, button cells, laser cutter

Commentary:
This activity is about the engineering applications of a smart material called Quantum Tunnelling Composite (QTC). The activity uses QTC in the form of pills and demonstrates how it can be used as a pressure sensitive switch or variable resistor.
I have used this activity on several occasions during RAEng ‘Engineering Ideas’ Box CPD sessions delivered to other teachers/professionals. Some teachers thought that it was a useful resource that could aid the delivery of smart materials and textiles. However, it was also said that it would be useful to be provided with more links or ready made examples to demonstrate the real life applications of QTC.

More recently, myself and other teachers used the activity during an Engineering Curriculum Project week at my school. It was delivered to approximately 300 Year 7 pupils who were each given a QTC pill, button cell, LED and laser-cut MDF pieces to make their own pressure sensitive torch. The pupils assembled the basic torch and then personalised it by adding extra pieces and their own graphics.

Most pupils really enjoyed this activity and I would definitely recommend using it as part of an activities week, STEM club or to support part of the DT/Science curriculum.