Morphing Matter for Teens: Research Processes as a Template for Cross-Disciplinary Activities

Abstract

We distilled a set of core practices within “morphing matter” research, derived a set of underlying skills and values, and developed these into a weekend workshop for high-school students. Participants in our workshop sampled a variety of research processes, including materials science and contextual design, incorporating curriculum-appropriate learning goals, toward an integrated pneumatic fashion project. We describe our approach, activity plan, and assessment as well as opportunities for research as an educational template to push beyond current “STEAM”-based educational practices for cross-disciplinary engagement.