Philadelphia, PA - February 4, 2017 - What are smart materials and how do we make them smarter?  How do engineers make things stronger, lighter and faster?  Welcome to the world of Materials Science and Engineering!

On Saturday, February 4th, Drexel University held its 7th annual Philly Materials Day.  It is a day where Drexel University, in conjunction with the University of Pennsylvania, The Singh Center for Nanotechnology, and the Franklin Institute open the doors of the Bossone Research Enterprise Center to the public for visitors to experience exciting hands on demonstrations and Materials Science activities designed for all ages!

This was the 5th year that North Penn High School Engineering Academy students have been invited to participate in the day long event.  Eighteen North Penn Engineering Academy seniors; Anthony Brigidi, Nicholas Crisler, Jonathon Deddy, James Drinkwater, Jason Ellstrom, Nicholas Hendrzak, Engy Khoshit, Brian Pilat, Jason Sands, Julia Santos, TJ Schmidt, Scott Schrum, Matt Shaw, Jonathan Storms, Tyler Uhler, Alex Vuong, Noah Wendt, and Jake Yoder presented their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) principles to the visitors from 10am to 3pm.  The students research topics, made possible by generous grant funding from the North Penn Educational Foundation, were in the following topics: Wireless Energy Transfer, Photovoltaic, Thermoelectric and Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting, Magnesium Air Fuel Cells and Penny Batteries, 3D Scanning and Printing, Non-Newtonian Fluids and Thermoelectric generators.

The students had many opportunities to discuss their research with visitors of all ages and backgrounds and to network with the other presenters from Drexel University, The University of Pennsylvania and local businesses.

The students were surprised how quickly the 5 hours of demonstrations went and said they would do it again in a heartbeat!  This opportunity has helped to prepare them for their final Nanotechnology and Engineering Research Symposium held at North Penn High School on Tuesday, May 30, 2017!

The Future is N.E.A.R. (Nanotechnology Education and Research) program parallels the senior capstone course, Engineering Design and Development (EDD), of the North Penn High School Engineering Academy.  The program offers its students an opportunity to gain 21st century skills that will prepare them to become successful leaders in a technological global society.  The program introduces the fundamentals of nanotechnology, engineering research and a rigorous application of their knowledge and skills to high school students while cultivating their interest in engineering, problem solving and life-long learning.  Students seek opportunities to research & develop solutions to global issues by capitalizing from fundamentals of nanotechnology and engineering research utilizing the latest published research available.

If you are interested in learning more about their research, the Engineering Academy or the Technology and Engineering Education Department, please visit their websites:www.northpennengineering.org or www.thefutureisnear.org.

What is Materials Science and Engineering http://www.drexel.edu/materials/about/overview/

Students present at Philly Materials Day Saturday 2/4/17!! NAS Tek explaining wireless energy transfer properties with visitors. Sandstorm demonstrating Non-Newtonian Fluids. NET and ARD explaining Energy Harvesting Roof Systems. Thermotec demonstrating thermoelectric materials. Magtec explaining Magnesium Fuel Cells. Innovo demonstrating battery separators. 3D Eye demonstrating 3D scanning and 3D printing. Visitors learning about materials science at North Penn High School. Visitors learning about materials scienct at North Penn High School. Thank you to all of the grant funding organizations who has made our journey possible!