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Why Does a Light Bulb Burn Out?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

Michael J. McKelvy ,
P. Mitan ,
Kirsten Hintze ,
Eric Patrick ,
K. Allagadda ,
B.L. Ramakrishna ,
Carrie Denny ,
Brandt Pryor ,
A.V.G. Chizmeshya  and
V. Pizziconi
Michael J. McKelvy*
Affiliation:
Center for Solid State Science, Tempe, Arizona 85287–1704, U.S.A.
P. Mitan
Affiliation:
Center for Solid State Science, Tempe, Arizona 85287–1704, U.S.A.
Kirsten Hintze
Affiliation:
Center for Solid State Science, Tempe, Arizona 85287–1704, U.S.A.
Eric Patrick
Affiliation:
Center for Solid State Science, Tempe, Arizona 85287–1704, U.S.A.
K. Allagadda
Affiliation:
Center for Solid State Science, Tempe, Arizona 85287–1704, U.S.A.
B.L. Ramakrishna
Affiliation:
Center for Solid State Science, Tempe, Arizona 85287–1704, U.S.A.
Carrie Denny
Affiliation:
Center for Solid State Science, Tempe, Arizona 85287–1704, U.S.A.
Brandt Pryor
Affiliation:
Technology Based Learning and Research, and Tempe, Arizona 85287–1704, U.S.A.
A.V.G. Chizmeshya
Affiliation:
Center for Solid State Science, Tempe, Arizona 85287–1704, U.S.A.
V. Pizziconi
Affiliation:
Department of Chemical, Bio & Materials Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287–1704, U.S.A.
*
* Contact author
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Abstract

The online educational module “Why Does a Light Bulb Burn Out?” is an inquiry-based introduction to the concepts of materials and material properties through the interactive exploration of the life of the incandescent light bulb that students use every day. The module offers an exploration of the history of the light bulb, its components, and important filament properties. Students discover the relationship between temperature and incandescence, along with electrical power and resistance through interactive Java applets. Then students “invent” their own filaments through virtual temperature, performance and longevity tests of a variety of candidate materials. Next, students follow the filament aging process using scanning-electron/atomic-force microscopy images. The module culminates in students designing their own materials experiments using SPM Live! online at http://invsee.asu.edu. Student evaluations indicate students both enjoy and learn effectively using the module.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 632: Symposium HH – Materials Science and Engineering Education in the New Millenium , 2000 , HH7.2
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2000

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References

REFERENCES

1. Blumenfield, P., Soloway, E., Marx, R., Krajcik, J., Guzdial, M., & Palinscsar, A. Motivating project-based learning: Sustaining the doing, supporting the learning. Educational Psychologist, 26, 3 (1991).Google Scholar
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5. http://www.useit.com Jakob Nielsen's Useable Information Technology Google Scholar
6. http://www.w3.org World Wide Web Consortium Guidelines for Accessible Web Authoring Google Scholar
7. “Why Does a Light Bulb Burn Out?” is accessible at http://invsee.asu.edu. Google Scholar