Challenge of Materials - Attractively presented, Challenge of Materials appears to be the web site of a gallery exhibition of the British National Museum of Science and Industry, although no information was given on the site - not even where to go to see the actual exhibition. The site is divided into several sections: 'World Changers' describes a few materials, such as rubber and steel, which have had an enormous impact on the way we live. The related quiz, in which the reader identifies nine materials based on clues, and hears the 'sounds' these materials make, is informative, although the flashing panels and noises are irritating. The 'What are Materials' section is of very little value: it shows some molecular models and some pictures of objects such as Post-It Notes taken at very high resolution, but as there is no text explaining these pictures, the reader is uninformed (and possibly unimpressed). 'Selecting Materials' shows some images of objects such as a steel wedding dress and a spiky latex couch, which are interesting for their artistic value, but little else. The image of a transparent man-shaped model showing foreign objects which can safely exist inside the human body unfortunately did not mention what any of these objects are. The quiz, in which the reader selects the right material for a given purpose (aircraft, false teeth and hip replacements) add little. 'Making Materials' is an excellent section, which displays how injection moulding, forging and blow moulding work, with Quicktime animations. Overall, I was left with the feeling that this site is a 'teaser' to get you along to the actual exhibition, which looks like a fantastic display. But for those who can't manage that, the viewer is left feeling unsatisfied. A pity, because with a bit more explanation, the Challenge of Materials could be a great stand-alone resource. (3 April 2001) AW
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/on-line/exhib...

The Sol-Gel Gateway - Materials science is always a cross discipline subject area, but nowhere is that truer than with a relatively young manufacturing approach known as Sol-Gel (this uncomfortable moniker alludes to Solution to Gel as materials are controllably transformed). Sol-Gel processes allow materials such as glass and ceramics to be produced with a directed range of properties. Taking in chemistry, physics, optics, biology and even meteorology, the range of new materials available from Sol-Gel approaches include thermal insulators, optical sensors, structural materials and more. The Sol-Gel Gateway site is strictly for those already in the know - professionals and post grads only - don't expect Sol-Gel 101. However the site has many articles and relevant links, as well as an extensive bibliographic reference, career opportunities in the field and highly technical tutorials. It also helpfully directs researchers to possible sources of funding. (5 March 2001) ARB
http://www.solgel.com/

Hands on Plastics - The American Plastics Council has created Hands on Plastics to provide information to middle-school teachers on how to educate children about the role of plastics in society. Thankfully light on propaganda, the background section for teachers is excellent, with a scaled-down version for students. This section is also suitable for anyone wanting a quick run-down on the history of plastics and polymers, the different kinds of plastics, and what they can be recycled into. The science experiment section includes a free kit which teachers can order, containing all the resources needed for teachers to run a detailed project on plastics. The online simulation of the experimental procedure is useful if you lack the time or place for children to do the experiments themselves. This site contains a complete service to carry out a major project on plastics, including downloadable brochures on several other aspects of the industry (such as the proportion of plastic in landfills). A great resource for time-starved teachers, and for anyone else wanting a starting-point for learning about plastics in society. (18 February 2001) AW
http://www.HandsOnPlastics.com/