MatEdU Info

The Online Instructional Resources for Material Science Technology Education (MatEdU) is an NSF funded project focused on materials science. A key goal of the project is to identify and validate core competencies needed by materials technicians and general technicians. MatEdU’s Mission is to advance materials technology education nationally. MatEdU’s Vision is to be the focal point where industry, education and community collaborate to meet materials technology workforce needs.

About The NSF National Resource Center

The Online Instructional Resources for Material Science Technology Education (MatEdU) is headquartered at Edmonds College. Funded by the National Science Foundation, MatEdU is creating a national network of industry and educational professionals to increase the number and diversity of highly skilled technicians ready for employment.

Resources

MatEdU provides curriculum resources for materials technology program enhancement and improvement at community and technical colleges nationwide. MatEdU and EdC collaborated to develop an 11,000sqft advanced technology lab, which houses the only two-year materials science degree in Washington State.

Goals

  • Expand and enhance web-based resources collection
  • Improve web-based resources and expand access using social media platforms
  • Increase website awareness while supporting partnerships and strategic opportunities
  • Leverage network members to achieve scalability of resources

Impact Highlights

  • Partnering with eleven higher educational institutions nationally to assist in educating thousands in materials science
  • Website database is expanding rapidly to include over 400 materials science labs, modules and papers
  • Developing instructional and professional workshops in materials science
  • Collaborating with NSF Centers and ATE projects to create a national materials science presence
  • Working with industry representatives to initiate and incorporate advanced study programs that meet stakeholder needs
  • Supporting local, regional and national outreach, highlighting the need for materials science curriculum and trained technicians

What is Materials Science?

Often called the science of "stuff," materials science is the study of materials and the processes used to create and apply them to a vast variety of uses. Integral to manufacturing and engineering, materials science explores what products could be made of to be stronger, lighter, more efficient and less expensive..

Where is MatEdU located?

MatEdU is located in Monroe Hall at Edmonds College in Lynnwood, WA (40 minutes north of Seattle). Monroe Hall is an 11,000 square foot state of the art facility that is dedicated to materials science.

How does the center disseminate information?

MatEdU utilizes various methods of dissemination that include presentations and workshops locally, regionally and nationally and publications, journal articles, website, social media etc.

What kind of resources are on the website?

MatEdU offers over 100 classroom ready modules of labs and demos for use by educators, industry and the general public. The website also contains core competencies in ten areas; resources such as the popular Materials Science Handbook and numerous web referrals; and our guide to Types of Materials.

How do I contact the center staff?

Contact information can be found on our website under Contact Us or by visting the MatEdU Team page