Integrating the NAE Grand Challenges and Holographically-formed Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Thin Films (H-PDLC) int
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Integrating the NAE Grand Challenges and Holographically-formed Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Thin Films (H-PDLC) into the Kenyan High School Curriculum. Jared P. Coyle1, and Adam K. Fontecchio1 1 Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, U.S.A. ABSTRACT Access to cutting-edge technologies in materials science and engineering within K-12 education is a great struggle in developing countries. In this work, a problem-based, hands on set of seven modules for integrating Holographically-formed Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (HPDLC) Bragg Grating thin films into the Kenyan secondary physics, chemistry and mathematics curriculum is proposed. Through funding provided by the National Science Foundation, a pilot study of the integration of these modules, using the National Academy of Engineering’s (NAE) Grand Challenges for Engineering as a contextual vessel, is carried out. The efficacy of these curriculum-integrated modules in communicating real world materials science and engineering challenges is examined using qualitative and quantitative means. A method for expanding the use of this experience with other graduate students is proposed. INTRODUCTION There exists a dearth of access to K-12 level experiences in materials science and engineering within the developing world due to the limited access to cutting-edge technologies within these countries [1]. In this work, a problem-based, hands on set of modules for integrating Holographically-formed Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (H-PDLC) Bragg Grating thin films into the Kenyan secondary physics, chemistry and mathematics curriculum is proposed. H-PDLC thin films are electro-optically modulating, wavelength-specific filters used in fiber optic communications, beam steering, reflective display and spectroscopic applications [2]. They are formed by first blending light sensitized monomers with liquid crystals. When exposed to a high intensity holographic pattern, the monomers polymerize in the areas of high intensity, while the liquid crystalline molecules diffuse towards the areas of lower intensity. This results in a periodic Bragg grating structure. The source materials are chosen in such a manner that the extraordinary index of refraction of the liquid crystals are matched to that of the final optical polymer. As a result, the Bragg gratings can be electrically modulated from a reflective state to a transmissive state [3]. H-PDLC technology contains concepts from multiple fields of materials science: liquid crystals, chemical reaction kinetics, optical patterning of nanomaterials, and electrically active organic materials. These concepts, when distilled down into their very basic forms, create a plethora of potential content for the K-12 environment. The purpose of this work is to provide the basic content surrounding H-PDLC fundamentals for high school students in 7 modules and to examine students’ ability to grasp these advanced concepts. National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges The National Academy of Engineering’s Grand Challenges for E
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