Properties Challenge End of Term Fun Invention Challenge

This activity is about getting the students to think outside the box and to design a new item based on a new material that has an unusual property.

I usually start the lesson by showing the students this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSDQc3qkXo4
Which gives the students an idea of how many discoveries were made by accident.

Then presenting them with the scenario shown on the Powerpoint. D30 is a product which uses the unusual property of 'turning sold when hit' to create a range of protective wear that can take large impact without it or the item its protecting being damaged.
(http://www.d3o.com/)

This activity is perfect for end of term as it can fit anywhere in a unit and provides a fun yet scientific end of term activity. The students enjoy it best when its done as a competition.

This may also be appropriate for STEM days.