Abstract

Design and Development of High School Science Laboratories Utilizing Remote-Access Scanning Electron Microscopy

Janicki, Emily L.; Gault, Joe H.; Rosmus, Kimberly A.; Larry, Nolan R.; Aiken, Jennifer A.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Duquesne University
 

Abstract:

Four laboratory experiments utilizing a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were designed to be implemented into local high school science classrooms following the Pennsylvania State Standards and the Science Keystone Assessment Anchors. SEM is used to observe the surface morphology of a material and to measure sample features such as crystallite size. The students will be introduced to basic techniques of electron and light microscopy with an introductory lab that uses a copper penny. Observing differences between the morphology of salt and sugar (rock candy) as well as differentiating between NaCl and KCl will also be examined. The microscopy experiments were developed to include the following teaching resources:  remote access guidelines, pre-lab presentation, teacher and student edition laboratory instructions, and SEM videos and micrographs. This projected was funded by the National Science Foundation, Grant No. CHE-0923183.