MS-ETS1-1

Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

  1. Chemistry

    Bye-bye batteries? Power a phone with fabric or a beacon with sound

    New piezoelectric systems produce electricity in unusual ways, such as when a certain nylon bends or underwater ceramics vibrate.

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  2. Chemistry

    A soil-based ‘concrete’ could make buildings green, even on Mars

    A new soil-based material offers an alternative to concrete for 3-D printing environmentally friendly buildings.

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  3. Chemistry

    Flexible devices may help clothes solar power your screens

    A fluorescent polymer duo boosts the efficiency of solar cells. One day this material may coat your jacket, hat or backpack to provide power on the go.

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  4. Environment

    Old clothes soon may be recycled, not trashed

    One day, clothes may be recycled almost as much as plastics and glass are now. See how chemists are moving us in that direction.

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  5. Chemistry

    Here’s how to make flip-flops biodegradable

    Innovative flip-flops made from an algae-based plastic decompose in soil or compost. The comfy shoes also avoid use of fossil fuels.

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  6. Computing

    New device tells smiles from frowns — even through a mask

    Most facial-recognition software has to see the whole face to work. The new type can reconstruct an entire expression from just viewing your cheeks.

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  7. Health & Medicine

    Third major vaccine shows great promise against COVID-19

    This vaccine, which may be easier to get to the public, appears to be 90 percent effective at halting disease and maybe spread of the new coronavirus.

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  8. Health & Medicine

    Moderna vaccine for COVID-19 appears nearly 95 percent effective

    A second coronavirus vaccine appears super effective in preventing people from being sickened by COVID-19.

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  9. Health & Medicine

    New Pfizer vaccine appears 90 percent effective against COVID-19

    Preliminary finds show one of the new coronavirus vaccines appears 90 percent effective at reducing symptomatic COVID-19 infections.

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  10. Chemistry

    Ordinary paper turns into flexible human-powered keypad

    Engineers have figured out how to turn sheets of paper into rugged, low-cost electronic devices, such as a computer keypad.

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  11. Physics

    Here’s how giant pumpkins get so big

    Cinderella took a ride in a pumpkin coach. Though real pumpkins do get big enough, here’s why their ride would be uncomfortable at best.

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  12. Environment

    Batteries not included: This Game Boy look-alike doesn’t need them

    Game Boy revolutionized the gaming industry. A newer version could help slow the rate of climate change.

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