Rare Earth Elements - Impact on Society and Technology

Explore the fascinating world of rare earth elements in this 17-minute educational video from the Materials Research Society. Learn how these unique materials, when alloyed or mixed with other elements, can produce remarkable property changes such as fluorescence and increased magnetism. Discover the crucial role rare earth elements play in modern sustainable systems like windmills, electric vehicles, and LED lighting. Examine the political challenges surrounding the mining of these critical materials. Gain insights into the broader implications of materials science on society through this resource, which is part of the Impact of Materials on Society (IMOS) course. Suitable for undergraduate students, K-12 education, and informal science education, this video bridges the gap between engineering research, humanities, and social sciences, emphasizing the importance of creating successful technologies that address critical social issues while respecting human values and belief systems.