Revolutionary breakthroughs in technology can seem like they happened overnight, but usually take years or even decades to develop. Graphene is a wonder material first developed about 20 years ago, but just now having a real impact on computer chips, medical sensors and batteries. The radio show and accompanying lesson below first appeared almost 15 years ago, but the main point and discussion questions are just as valid now as they were then. In addition to a discussion about material science and technology, also considering talking with your students about the gap between important discoveries, like the invention of the first transistor or airplane or graphene sheet, and the point at which we see practical uses for that invention.
Throwing a Curve