Materials World Modules activities give students opportunities to engage in scientific inquiry and to learn about how materials science concepts relate to real world design problems.

MWM has two complementary sets of goals for the modules: content goals and process goals. The content goals focus on the science and technology content in the modules. Because they are based on topics in materials science, the modules help students see how science relates to their lives. The process goals focus on the kinds of activities students will perform. The major goal of the Materials World Modules is to engage students in the processes of inquiry and design.

• Learn scientific and mathematical principles by applying them to solve real-world problems.
• Develop an understanding of the science and engineering of materials by applying knowledge from physical, life, and earth sciences to create materials for specific purposes.
• Learn about the interrelationship between science and technology and their influences on local, national, and global environments.
• Understand contemporary problems in society, including problems of personal and community health, natural resources, environmental quality, and human-induced hazards and appreciate the use of science and technology to meet these challenges.
• View the history and nature of science as a human endeavor, producing new knowledge, supported by developing technology.

• Ask and refine researchable, productive questions.
• Plan and conduct a quantitative, hands-on laboratory investigation, using journals to guide investigation and record progress.
• Work within a collaborative team to complete a design project.
• Develop solutions through iterative design: challenge, problem definition comparing options, implementation, reflection, redesign.
• Develop a designer's eye to analyze trade offs and decisions an engineer may encounter in creating artifacts.

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