The virtues of advanced materials
The importance of advanced materials in daily life is overlooked because of the focus placed on their end products, from cars to smartphones. There is no consideration for the materials that enable these technologies and deliver solutions for a sustainable, healthy and safe world. To raise overall awareness of advanced materials, the EU-funded STIMULATE (Stimulating the public attitude towards advanced materials) project designed a variety of media products targeting ordinary citizens and young people. Specifically, project partners implemented a cross-platform media approach, comprising online educational resources, a web-based game and a character-led documentary film; all the media products have been translated into 23 official EU languages and are free to use throughout the EU. The interactive computer game is about the evolution of a small society from the past, to the present and the far future – as envisioned by Material scientists. It adopts a positive attitude towards science by showing it as a means to improve quality of life and create a sustainable civilization. It is designed to raise the awareness of European youth aged 14 to 17 through key messages about materials science and its importance. To develop a documentary that engages the general public, the STIMULATE team selected a broad range of scientific topics, including materials, applications and manufacturing processes. The 60-minute film comprises 8 separate segments (reversioned and disseminated also as individual short films) shot in locations such as research centres, universities and private companies in six European countries. The film is complemented by 6 additional short films with enhanced “Behind the scenes” content, designed specifically for educational use. Researchers and education specialists designed an education pack that is divided into three main parts: activities that explore the need for advanced materials; the discovery of different types of advanced materials; and guides enabling students to actively get involved. The objective is to generate interest, understanding and enthusiasm among secondary school students for advanced materials overall and their many applications in daily life. By presenting the wide-ranging socioeconomic and environmental benefits of advanced materials, STIMULATE has helped to involve, educate and empower Europeans of all ages.
Keywords
Advanced materials, public attitude, materials science
