Simple Mold Making Techniques for the Creation of Teaching Specimens

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2011, Volume 32

Hans Lemke

Abstract

It is preferable to use authentic specimens for teaching demonstrations or lab activities, but such materials are often fragile, rare, prohibitively expensive or, sometimes, purely imaginary. Though there are many commercial models available, these are often very expensive or do not suit the needs of a particular laboratory exercise. Casting models using silicone molds and polyester resins allows for the creation of customized models for your classroom. With a little practice, you can create models that are as good as (or better than) those that you can buy. Originals can be either natural objects or models of your own creation. The casting materials used are fast curing, durable and relatively inexpensive, making them ideal for the creation of numerous identical teaching sets.

Keywords:  mold

Dalhousie University (2010)