MAKER: Piezoelectric crystal experiments for high school science and engineering students

Abstract

This paper describes the design, construction, and evaluation of an instructional module for K-12 science and engineering students on energy harvesting using piezoelectric crystals. The module consists of a combination of lecture and activities. The lecture component covers the history of piezoelectric materials, how they work, how to use them to generate energy, and how to measure the amount of energy generated. The activity component includes how to make a piezoelectric crystal, and an embedded assessment, pre-assessment, and post assessment. The module was used in three engineering classes. Students worked in teams to prepare crystals and successfully tested them. An evaluation of the module indicated that a high level of learning was achieved. In addition, the students all enjoyed the hands on experience. This module was created as a result of attending a Summer Research Experiences for Teachers program at Texas A&M University in 2014.