Materials scientist Mark Miodownik takes a look into the inner world of metals, ceramics and plastics and the microscopic structure that allows them to function.
The series aims to show how material science influences our day to day lives.
These clips will be relevant for teaching Physics and Chemistry at KS3 and GCSE Level. This topic appears in OCR, Edexcel, AQA, WJEC in England and Wales, CCEA GCSE in Northern Ireland and SQA National 4/5 in Scotland.
Bronze - The first alloy. video
Find out about the invention and impact of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin which was the first man-made alloy.
Development and uses of Optical Fibres video
Mark Miodownik describes how optical fibres work. He explains how they are able to transmit light over great distances.
What is Graphene? video
Mark Miodownik describes the discovery of graphene. It’s the toughest material we know, 200 times stronger than steel, and able to carry electricity at 1 million metres per second.
How was metal discovered? video
Scientist Mark Miodownik visits the earliest known copper mines in Israel's Timna Valley to explain the discovery of the first metal, copper.
How reinforced concrete works. video
To demonstrate the power of reinforced, a beam is tested with a 2.5 tonne load to see if it will crack. What is the chemistry behind its strength?
How the Romans invented concrete. video
Mark Miodownik explores how the Romans produced the first concrete and how concrete, glass and other ceramics are used in the modern world.
What is a superalloy? video
Mark Miodownik explores the world of superalloys, and puts the properties of one to the test showing how this metal is used inside a jet engine.
Superconductors and the 'Meissner effect' video
How can a piece of ceramic conduct electricity? Scientist Mark Miodownik explores the incredible potential of superconductivity.
The atomic structure of metal. video
Scientist Mark Miodownik explains how the atomic structure of metals gives them unique and highly useful properties.
What is superconductivity? video
Mark Miodownik puts the properties of a superalloy to the test with a practical demonstration of the strength of a superalloy under high temperatures and how this metal is used inside a jet engine.
The Invention of Carbon Fibre. video
Mark Miodownik describes the invention of carbon fibre composite by engineers at a Royal Aircraft Establishment in 1963.
The plastic revolution. video
Where do all the plastic goods that surround us come from? Mark Miodownik explores the history and molecular structure of these ubiquitous materials, and how they're formed.
Why is concrete so brittle? video
Find out about the chemistry behind concrete. Scientists use experiments and animations to demonstrate how concrete breaks under stress.
The structure, properties and uses of Bakelite. video
Mark Miodownik describes the work of the chemist Leo Baekeland, who invented the plastic Bakelite.
What is reinforced concrete? video
Find out how concrete is reinforced through the use of steel. Scientists demonstrate how this works and how this method was invented in 1853.
