Table Top SEM Utilization in a High School Nanotechnology Course

Abstract

Abstract A Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) nanotechnology course curriculum integrated a Hitachi TM-1000 table top scanning electron microscope (SEM) into the classroom to excite and educate gifted and talented high school students interested in this emerging field of research. Students learned about synthesis, characterization and applications of nanotechnologies to encourage them to begin thinking about why and how properties of matter change at the nanoscale. The syllabus was created to introduce fundamental concepts like introductory quantum mechanics, atomic bonding, allotropes of carbon and applications including nanomedicine, nanoelectronics, nano-textiles, bionanotechnology and nanometals. The classroom environment allowed students to take intellectual risks and the course content was presented through a variety of methods to utilize the Kolb learning model and encompass intellectual, personal, social and practical learning methods. The teaching approaches employed traditional principle based lectures, but also included guest speakers, experiential learning activities and both project or problem based learning laboratories.