These materials are designed or adapted to inspire K–12 students and support outreach activities. Perfect for summer camps, school visits, science fairs, or guest lectures.

✨ What you’ll find here:

Simple 3D printable tools
Fun experiments and safe demonstrations
Songs, poems, and skits created by undergraduates for younger learners

⚡ Whether you’re a teacher, outreach volunteer, or college student leading an activity—feel free to use these resources directly or submit your own to grow the collection!

Atoms in a Row

Submitted by: Dr. Ipek Yucelen
Title: Atoms in a Row – An AI-Generated Music Video
Concept: Crystal Structures (FCC, BCC, HCP)
Institution: University of South Florida
Course: Materials Engineering I
Level: Undergraduate | K–12 students
Semester: Summer 2025
Type: Educational Music Video
Tools Used: ChatGPT, Suno, DALL·E, Canva

Description:

This fun and informative music video was fully generated using AI. The lyrics explain common crystal structures—FCC, BCC, and HCP—through simple rhymes and catchy visuals, making it a great way to introduce atomic arrangements to students in a way that’s memorable and engaging.

Perfect for use in the classroom, outreach programs, or even just as a playful break during a lecture!

Created using:

ChatGPT (for lyrics and teaching support)
Suno AI (for vocals and music)
DALL·E (for custom educational illustrations)
Canva (for video compilation)

Learning Outcomes:

Students will be able to identify and describe FCC, BCC, and HCP crystal structures.
Students will distinguish between different atomic packing arrangements.
Students will compare the packing efficiency and coordination number of FCC, BCC, and HCP.
Students will connect crystal structure to material properties using visual and musical cues.

Teaching Tips:

Play the video before teaching crystal structures to spark curiosity
Encourage students to create their own verse or illustration as a follow-up activity
Great for younger audiences

Building the FCC Crystal Structure with Playdough

Submitted by: Dr. Ipek Yucelen

Title: Modeling FCC Crystal Structure with Playdough Balls

Concept: Atomic Packing – Face-Centered Cubic (FCC)

Institution: University of South Florida

Course: Materials Engineering I

Level: Undergraduate | Also suitable for K-12 students

Semester: Summer 2025

Type: In-Class Demonstration / Hands-On Activity

Materials Needed: Playdough or modeling clay (2–3 colors), optional toothpicks or skewers

Description:

To help students understand atomic packing in crystal structures, students use playdough balls to physically build close-packed arrangements—such as face-centered cubic (FCC) structure.

They form spheres from playdough and stack them in layers, observing how the second layer fits into the grooves of the first. By continuing with a third layer, students can compare the stacking sequence (ABC for FCC). Color-coded layers make the differences easier to visualize.

To stabilize the models, toothpicks or small dowels can be used to gently hold the layers together.

Teaching Tips:

Use different colors for each layer to help students visualize the ABC stacking sequence.
Ask students to describe how the spheres nest into the grooves of the layer below.
Follow up with a visual or short discussion on coordination number and packing efficiency in FCC structures.