Explore the fascinating world of materials science and its impact on everyday life in this engaging lecture by Anna Ploszajski. Discover the science behind common materials like glass, plastic, steel, and sugar through captivating demonstrations and storytelling. Learn about glass blowing techniques, the challenges of recycling plastic, the properties of steel in breaking land speed records, and the surprising behavior of frozen candy bars. Delve into the world of metallurgy with a blacksmithing demonstration, understand the physics of brass instruments and harmonics, and witness the mesmerizing Rubens tube in action. Uncover the evolution of the trumpet and the possibilities of unconventional materials in instrument making. Finally, examine the molecular structure of sugar, its combustion properties, and crystal formation. This comprehensive talk offers a unique blend of scientific knowledge and hands-on demonstrations, providing a fresh perspective on the materials that shape our world. Read more