Toys and engineering materials

This free course, Toys and engineering materials, introduces engineering in context. It explores the variation in materials and composite materials, and provides real-life examples of material use in the manufacture of toys, and how the development of materials over time has influenced design.

• Introduction
• Learning outcomes
• 1 Engineering: a holistic approach
• 1 Engineering: a holistic approach
• 1.1 Materials use in the manufacture of toys
• 1.2 The longevity of wood
• 1.3 Versatile plastic
• 1.3.1 Injection moulding
• 1.3.2 Building a tower
• 2 The application of metal
• 2 The application of metal
• 2.1 Advantages and disadvantages
• 2.2 The introduction of die-cast toys
• 2.3 Composite materials
• 2.3.1 The manufacture of tennis racquets
• 2.3.2 Manufacturing composites
• 3 The introduction of semiconductors
• 3 The introduction of semiconductors
• 3.1 Transisters, circuits and batteries
• 3.2 The lithium battery
• 3.2.1 The manufacture of lithium ion batteries
• 3.3 The hoverboard
• 3.4 Designing a toy
• Conclusion
• Acknowledgements