The University of Nebraska State Museum’s November Sunday with a Scientist program for children and families will explore materials science with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering. The event is 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at Morrill Hall, 645 N. 14th St.

Bai Cui, assistant professor of mechanical and materials engineering, along with Nebraska undergraduate and graduate students, will help visitors learn how scientists and engineers investigate the properties of ceramic materials and why they are chosen for various applications.

Children and families will learn how ceramic materials can be designed to withstand high temperatures and how some have the ability to generate an electric voltage under a mechanical force. Visitors will run experiments testing how temperature affects various ceramic materials and how energy is absorbed – similar to a car bumper in an automobile collision, called transfer energy – and how a tennis ball and racquet are engineered to work together for the best performance. Children will have an opportunity to test the strength of chocolate bars, among other activities.

Sunday with a Scientist is a presentation series that highlights the work of scientists, while educating children and families on a variety of topics related to science and natural history. Presenters share scientific information in a fun, informal way through demonstrations, activities or by conducting science on site. The presentations typically take place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m on the third Sunday of each month.

For more information, including upcoming topics, click here.