Make and Take Experiment

The Materials Science and Technology Teacher's Workshop (MAST) provides this experiment on concrete in construction. The experiment focuses on developing an understanding of concrete as a construction material. Concrete products will be designed and constructed. Students will use two different sized containers that fit concentrically inside one another to create an enlarged crucible or planter box shape. Concrete will then be poured into that container and the concrete part will be allowed to cure. No testing will be done with this part, it is simply and exercise used to practice the preparation and execution of making concrete structures. The lesson includes a step by step explanation of the laboratory procedure, teacher notes and a link to a video clip. The exercise should take about 45 minutes of class time.