Reaching the next generation of ceramic and glass engineers

The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation sponsored the ASM Materials Education Foundation Materials Camp for Teachers, held June 15–19, at Ohio State University’s main campus in Columbus, Ohio.

Marcus Fish, CGIF development director, shared with the 30+ teachers at the event how the Foundation is working to create opportunities for young people entering the ceramics and glass fields. CGIF also donated ACerS’ President’s Council of Student Advisors’ (PCSA) Materials Science Kits to teachers at the camp to use with students back in the classroom.

The two Master Teachers leading this year’s camp—Andy Nydam and Debbie Goodwin—both agreed that teaching students about ceramics and glass should be a priority in the classroom. “… A large number of kids will grow up to work in fields that require specific knowledge and skills in this area. We’re obligated to prepare them early for a career in this field,” Nydham said. Goodwin also pointed out that these materials are still widely misunderstood. “People have a misconception that ceramics and glass are ‘old hats.’ Nothing new.

Molten glass in action! A science teacher pours melted glass into a mold for cooling at the ASM Materials Camp for Teachers. Credit: ACerS

But a lot of our current and future energy needs will be solved by using these materials. It’s not just about windows and bricks,” Goodwin added. To learn more about CGIF and how your gifts are being put to work, visit www.foundation.ceramics.org.