WebQuest on Tensile Strength of Spider Silk

COURSE: PGCE Part-Time (PHYSICS) 2007-2008

MODULE TITLE: ICT in subject teaching- WebQuest on Tensile Strength of Spider silk

MODULE CODE: PG 408-2

SUBJECT AREA: Physics

LECTURER: Mr. C Li Luen Ching

GROUP MEMBERS: Poinen Paranjothiyen Aukhez-Poinen Sangeeta Boodhoo Deepa

Introduction Task Resources Process Evaluation Conclusion Extension Skills developed Reflection

Introduction | Task | Resources | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Extension | Skills developed | Reflection

Introduction
Have you ever wondered how can Spiderman hang on such thin threads?! Do you realize that we are talking about a weight of approximately 60 kg suspending and moving at high speed in between buildings?? FICTION OR REALITY.. Spider silk is one of the 7 great wonders of the animal kingdom. That a small animal, often less than a millimeter across can make an amazing substance that we humans with all our technology are unable to reproduce so far. This is surely a humble reminder of the fact that Nature created us and not the other way around. One of the most astounding things about spiders is their ability to make silk, their webs amaze and fascinate us, but they are also used by us in some cultures. All spiders make silk, they use it for a safety dragline, to fly, for making a highly durable cocoon for their eggs, to line their homes, to trap their prey and to immobilise their victims. The fragile-looking webs can however withstand strong winds and trap insects, sometimes bigger than themselves. Can our knowledge on Physics of materials solve this mystery?

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Introduction | Task | Resources | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Extension | Skills developed | Reflection

Task
In this WebQuest you will be required to apply your knowledge of the topic Physics of Materials to find answers to several questions. You will proceed in a stepwise manner throughout this activity and the gradual development will lead you to the main conclusion to answer the question: Reality or Fiction? Click on the heading of each part of the Process to go to the required website. The final outcome to be submitted will be a PowerPoint presentation on all your findings. This WebQuest should be worked out in groups of four.

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Resources
To tackle this WebQuest, you will need to: (A) Have access to Internet. (B) Possess ICT skills, such as use of PowerPoint. (C) Refer to Physics textbooks (i) (ii) A- Level Physics ( Roger Muncaster, 4th Edition) Advanced Physics (Steve Adams and Jonathan Allday)

(D) Visit the following websites: 1. http://www.iop.org/activity/education/Teaching_Resources/Teaching%20Advanced%2 0Physics/Mechanics/Materials/page_3982.html 2. http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/permot3.html 3. http://www.engineersedge.com/material_science/youngs_modulus.htm 4. http://www.howstuffworks.com/question87.htm 5. http://www.xs4all.nl/~ednieuw/Spiders/InfoNed/webthread.html 6. http://www.arachnology.be/pages/Silk.html 7. http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/young-modulus-d_417.html 8. http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/spider/page3.htm 9. http://www.answers.com/topic/spider-silk?cat=technology 10. http://www.amonline.net.au/spiders/toolkit/silk/structure.htm 11. http://www.autexrj.org/No3-2005/Pdf/0147_04.pdf 12. http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2008/rd-spiders-tt0319.html 13. http://www.tiem.utk.edu/~mbeals/spider.html 14. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/06/020618072100.htm 15. www.polymer.fudan.edu.cn/research/shaozz/literature/Toughness%20of%20Spider%2 0Silk%20at%20High%20and%20Low%20Temperatures.pdf 16. http://www.xs4all.nl/~ednieuw/Spiders/InfoNed/webthread.html 17. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spider_silk (E) Use your creativity and imagination!! Back to top
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Process
Part 1: Refresh your memory!

This website will help you recap on the concepts covered in class concerning tensile stress, tensile strain and Youngs Modulus. You will need focus on the definitions and formulae of each. Stress Strain Youngs Modulus You will need to consult the part named Discussion and the table labeled TAP 228-1 to find the required information and write down the definitions, formulae and units of each. Click here if you need to find extra information about Youngs Modulus.

Part 2: How is Young Modulus related to elasticity?

Do you know that the Young Modulus of a material can actually be an indication of its elasticity? Well, check this site out to find out how these 2 are related. Read only the first paragraph which is enough to give you the required information. You can also find the definition of elasticity by reading the section entitled Elasticity. Write a small paragraph to summarise what you have just found.

Part 3: Finding the tensile strength of different materials. The tensile strength is the maximum stress that the thread can withstand without breaking. In this activity you will go to the above link to find out about the tensile strength of known materials around you. Tabulate your findings about Tensile strength in a clear and concise way. Browse through the website which consists of at least ten different common materials.

Part 4: What is the composition of spider silk?

Spiders make spider webs. The spider thread is called spider silk. Have you ever wondered from where the spider produces its silk?! Before proceeding to the above website to investigate its composition, you may wish to find out more about the production of spider silk. The first two paragraphs will help you out! You can also include a diagram if you want. The diameter of the spider silk is another interesting piece of information. Careful! Sometimes different glands can produce different types of silk.

Part 5: Are you confident about your knowledge of structure of solids? Remember that the strength of materials generally depends on the arrangement of molecules and the intermolecular bonds which exist in them. On the other hand, the ductility depends on its elasticity and deformation. Refer to your school textbooks to consolidate your knowledge on the Classification of solids according to their structure and arrangement of molecules. You will need to read about the different types of solids existing and the reasons why they are classified according to those distinct classes. Textbooks: (iii) A- Level Physics ( Roger Muncaster, 4th Edition): Pages 147-150 (iv) Advanced Physics (Steve Adams and Jonathan Allday): Pages 442-453

You will need to pay particular attention to the 3 main groups in which the solids are grouped and their internal structure.

Part 6: Are you up to the challenge now? This is a concept map which will help you to review your basic facts on classification of solids. You will also need to give examples of each group. The fun part is that the words are already provided to you so dont worry; it is a quick and easy worksheet!

Part 7: Verify your answers! This is the mark scheme of the above concept map. The missing words are replaced. Mark your work to clear up any doubts you may have concerning the topic before you proceed any further. .So, did you get it right?!

Part 8: Structure of spider silk

You are now familiar with the different materials and the corresponding structures. You will be asked to find out the structure of the spider silk by studying the arrangement of molecules and the type of bonding. You can then try to fit it into one category of solids, but .be careful, you may find that it can fit into more than one!! Click here for additional help. A diagram could be useful if you want to show the structure.

Part 9: Experiment to calculate the Youngs modulus of spider silk This is an article provided for you to read concerning an experiment that scientist performed to find the tensile strength of spider silk. You are advised to read the: (1) Introduction (2) Materials and methods.

You will familiarise yourself with the procedure used to find the tensile stress, strain, hence Young Modulus of spider silk. You can also find out why it is impossible for us to perform this experiment in our school lab.

Part 10: Comparison between the values of tensile strength you found in Part 3 to that of spider silk. In a study conducted by M. Beals, L. Gross, S. Harrell, 1999 to investigate the mechanical behavior of spider silk, they found some quite unexpected results about its tensile strength. By looking for information on the parts named: table, graphs, interpretation and conclusion, compare the tensile strength of the spider silk or thread with the common materials you have tabulated in the activity above in Part 3. The elasticity and breaking point of the spider silk also need to be found. (Read the first two paragraphs of the article on elasticity) What is your conclusion? Write 2-3 lines to summarise your findings.

Part 11: Factors affecting the strength of spider silk. Look for some factors that might affect the strength of the spider web. Go through the first paragraph of the article where you will find the required data. List the different factors which you find are important.

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Evaluation
There are 8 specific areas of evaluation for each group. There are 3 levels of accomplishment that will be determined by a number that corresponds to the level of achievement when the project is completed CRITERIA BEGINNING 1
Wrong definition, formulas and units given Some definition given but no appropriate relationship given

DEVELOPING 2
Some of the quantities are defined with formulas and units Attempt to write a relationship between Young Modulus and elasticity

ACCOMPLISHED 3
All definitions given including formulae and appropriate units Proper relationship between Young Modulus and elasticity. It is clear to the learner that high value of Youngs Modulus implies large elasticity Gets more than 10 materials with appropriate tensile strength

SCORE

Definitions, formulae and units Relationship between Young Modulus and Elasticity

Tensile strength of some known materials Composition of spider silk

Less than five obtained with the most common materials omitted Students had difficulty in finding the composition

Most of the common materials in the list identified

Concept map Structure of spider silk

Had difficulty in filling the blank spaces Student does not get the appropriate structure

Student managed to find some of the components but does not make the link with protein and/or diagram given. Concept map partially completed Mention only one type of structure

Clear description of the composition of silk stating clearly that silk consists of different proteins and diagram given.

Concept map fully completed. Both crystalline and amorphous structure identified in a polymeric overall structure

Comparison of different tensile strengths.

Factors affecting strength

Students do not realize that spider web is difficult to break because of its large tensile strength Only 1 factor identified

Students realize that spider silk is a strong material but fails to compare it with other materials 2 factors identified

Clearly concludes by making reference with other materials.

At least 3 factors identified with some brief explanation.

Group Points:/24 Precentage:.%

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Conclusion
Now that you have completed your PowerPoint and answered the main query, you should have broadened your knowledge on the topic: Physics of Materials. You would now appreciate how your textbook knowledge can help you solve wonders around you with only a tad of imagination and a heap of perseverance!

Being Physics students, always keep your mind open and appreciate that thing are not always as they seem to be, evidence is needed to sustain perception. Now that you have familiarized yourself with the special properties of spider silk, you will probably wonder how to make maximum use of these qualities.

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Extension
Hoping that your curiosity has been triggered, you might find it interesting to go further into investigating the applications of spider silk as well as the different types of spider webs produced by various species through these sites: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.13652184.2008.00534.x?cookieSet=1&journalCode=cpr http://www.tx.ncsu.edu/jtatm/volume5issue1/Articles/Saravanan/Saravanan_Full_170 _05.pdf http://www.jyi.org/news/nb.php?id=27 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spider_web#Types_of_spider_web http://www.amonline.net.au/spiders/toolkit/silk/types.htm

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Skills developed
Upon completion of this WebQuest, you will acquire the following skills: Different cognitive skills (e.g. Recalling, analysis, synthesis, etc.) Use of different tools (e.g. Tables, Concept Maps, PowerPoint, etc.). Interpersonal skills through groupwork Intrapersonal skills through own motivation. Leadership skills (Group leader). Interdisciplinary activities are performed. Recognising different links between various subjects.

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Reflection
1. The WebQuest WebQuest enables the extensive use of the internet which is an excellent medium for accessing educational information It is an efficient use of internet as students do not spend time looking for information but instead using restricted sites. It is a visual tool which is not a conventional teaching aid hence attracting students attention. It provides opportunity to students to evaluate their own work through known criteria. It allows extension work for more interested students. However, the restriction of the sites can hinder independent learning. Can be demotivating for students who not have internet access. 2. The student They are able to develop interpersonal skills as it involves collaborative learning and social interaction through group work. Students are engaged in meaningful learning through an active process. Pre-selection of sites by the teacher enables the student to save time. Different cognitive skills are developed by students. The students may be more motivated as others may view and comment the final outcome. Different types of learners are catered for.

3. The Teacher Differential teaching is possible. Engage learners in inquiry learning. Teacher maintains control over content. Different strategies and tools are used However can be time consuming. Must be very careful of contradictory web sites. (validity and credibility)

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CONCEPT MAP ON CLASSIFICATION OF SOLIDS

Words provided: Crystalline ; Shape ; Semi-crystalline ; Randomly ; Amorphous ; Salt ; Long range ; Polymeric ; Regular lattice ; A short range ; Copper ; Ice ; Repeat units ; Cross links ; In long chains ; Twist and curve ; Glass ; Soot.

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ANSWER FOR CONCEPT MAP

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