Engaging Students in Early Exploration of Nanoscience Topics Using Hands-On Activities and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

摘要

Nanoscience is the study of materials and their behavior at particle sizes measured in nanometers. At this small size, surface and quantum phenomena are prominent. Consequently, materials behave in an unconventional way and exhibit new and size-dependent properties. Because new properties allow for novel applications, this makes nanoscale materials extremely interesting. This modern field, having advanced at a remarkably fast pace ever since the invention of the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) in 1981, holds much promise and has the potential to affect every aspect of our daily lives. Early education in nanoscience will enhance students' academic and occupational advancement opportunities (1, 2). We report here our experi_ences introducing first- and second-year students to nanoscience at a two-year regional campus (500 students, many of whom are underserved as either rural, economically disadvantaged, or minority students) by utilizing a set of strategies emphasizing a hands-on approach.