Liquid Crystals through Experiments

Physics teachers often find it difficult to teach new advances in research to their students at the high school and undergraduate level. This book will help bring the new, scientifically interesting and active research topic of liquid crystals into the physics classroom. It contains simple, more or less hands-on experiments that reflect new research results and allow students to personally experience important concepts of the physics of liquid crystals. Used in mobile phones, computer screens and other similar devices, liquid crystals are modern and relevant and provide a context for the research topic to be learned. Written by a former high school physics teacher and lecturer at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, this book is the direct result of the author's passion for teaching future teachers of physics and science. Each experiment is meticulously drawn up, including the goals and requirements as well as step-by-step instructions. The experiments are presented in three chapters, covering: liquid crystals as a material; the liquid crystal display; and additional insights into phenomena in liquid crystals. Liquid Crystals Through Experiments will prove itself as an indispensable book for teachers and lecturers who want to bring the physics of 'everyday' into the classroom.