Liquid Crystal Presentations are almost here!

I had fun today watching the hustle & bustle of last-minute preparations for the Liquid Crystal Design Challenge. Today was the last class work day to perfect research, design, and presentation plans - so everybody be ready on Tuesday (9/2) to pitch their product!

But I had to share the most entertaining product-testing that I saw...

Creepy Doll Alert!!

The idea was actually pretty clever. They designed a liquid crystal to be used as a foot-arch-tester. But the size limitations I have on the project prevented them from building one big enough for a human foot. So instead, they brought in a doll & a heat lamp. They heated up the doll foot to simulate body temperature, then pressed the doll foot onto the liquid crystal square to show its arch. Great idea....but still....that doll talked, laughed, & sang. It. Was. Creepy.

I can't wait to see what everyone has come up with on Tuesday! 

Enjoy the 3-day weekend =)

Still Struggling with Sig Figs?

You're not alone.

Here are a few resources I have gathered for extra help & practice. Or, you can always come see me before school for extra help! =)

Khan academy videos 
Sig Fig Tutorial
Sig Figs Practice Problems
Another Sig Fig Tutorial

Liquid Crystal Challenge

Today we introduced the Liquid Crystal Design Challenge. In your table groups, you will be designing and building a liquid crystal device. It is up to you to decide what you want your liquid crystal to do. What problem could you solve? What product could you improve upon? Who will create the most innovative design?

You'll be getting some background information and experimenting with liquid crystals over the next two weeks, then it is time to create!

In the meantime, let your creativity be inspired by some beautiful liquid crystal images...

Happy 1st Day!!

It was a great first day of class here in U305. We used today as an introduction to what science is all about - experimentation! Did you solve the mystery of the blue bottle?

Don't forget that your tasks for the week are:

• Read the syllabus
• Complete this syllabus survey
• Take this math skills pretest

And while you are at it, why don't you follow me on twitter!  =)
@RiggsChem