EXTREME PHYSICS UNIT I - NANO-EXPLORATION
1. Offer
empirical observation challenges patterned after real nano-world adventures.
In particular, begin with applet-based "virtual-microscope" models that provide geometric information on size scales ranging from macroscopic to atomic, and access to...
(a) visceral experience with objects ranging in size from millimeters to atoms
(b) real-world characterization problems open to a wide range of problem-solving styles
(c) tasks start with description/estimation of distances, areas, volumes, and shapes...
(d) ...but can extend to molecule recognition, crystal defect analysis, even nano-assembly.
In some cases through telepresence, web-mediated access to real live structures on the micron and atomic scale will become possible in the years ahead.
2. Offer
access to diverse and robust forms of data to work with...
...including a wide diversity of viewpoints,
magnifications, data output formats (e.g. prints, digital images,
machine estimates) and calculation tools (e.g. 2D Fourier
analysis). In the long run, ability to
examine a large number of different: regions
(presently limited mainly by memory sizes), signals (e.g. diffraction
patterns, x-ray and electron energy spectra, force and I-V curves, secondary
and backscattered electron images, etc.) and contrast processes
(electron phase contrast, diffraction contrast, darkfield and weak-beam
contrast, z-contrast, etc.) will be offered as well.
3. Work with models that are in practice unknown, and accessible only through a window which involves some experimental uncertainty so that a "literature of discovery" on individual specimens might in fact be developed over time.
In other words, there is no one right answer
or correct way, but only style and resourcefulness and credibility in putting
quantitative constraints on what is present in the specimen. As with real world specimens, a literature
of discovery (including responsibility for citing previous results) might
develop on some of the virtual specimens.
4. Four
use-formats considered:
5. All of the
tools (so far at least) can be made available free to web-accessible classrooms
One objective here is to let energetic teachers drive content modernization as well as pedagogy, giving book publishers an option to do something they are much better at than modernization, namely following the market.
Individual
teachers, equipped with materials they and their students can access via the
web, are a developing force in the modernization of both pedagogy and
content. Although inquiry-based
learning is oft considered a method for helping students master facts and
algorithms, the perspective from the modern workplace is that empirical
discovery and reporting skills in the subject matter of a course deserve to be
a goal in themselves. We show here how
the nano-frontier provides a robust setting for challenges that put the student
in the shoes of real nano-world detectives, and how diverse challenges can be
made available on the web by a single "virtual unknown" for students
at home, in lecture settings, and even on timed tests.
Our
group has provided industry and university researchers across the state with
access to new methods, and atom-resolution microscopy capability using both
electrons and scanning probes, for over a decade. In addition, we’ve also had opportunities to further regional
contributions in both materials astronomy
(the laboratory study of small but previously stand-alone astrophysical
objects) and gigascale integrated circuit
silicon manufacturing. These experiences, and our contacts as part of a
robust and growing regional nano-characterization alliance, give us insight into
characterization tools, methods, applications, and most importantly a large and
growing list of past and future challenges.
In
this context, the proposed project activities will: (i) expand the list of
web-accessible nano-worlds that we presently make available, (ii) develop and deploy storylines suitable
for a variety of introductory undergraduate science courses based on real
(past, present, or future) characterization challenges along with evaluation
rubrics in the form of nano-world WebQuests, and (iii) implement/evaluate the effect of these exercises during two
years of introductory classes at UM-StL involving a total of about one thousand
students. The goals with respect to
participating students are to: (a) increase understanding and ability to gather
data, discern patterns, and solve problems posed by real nanoworld studies
involving the subject matter of each course; (b) understand and successfully participate in a peer-review of
their, and another student’s, report about nano-world observations specific to
course subject matter; and (c) enhance
awareness of the nano-world, and challenges posed by characterization of matter
down to the atomic scale, as it may be encountered in later course work and
careers.
1. Observation
and reporting challenges for courses elsewhere:
The materials being developed will be deployed on the web concurrently with
their use in our courses, and hence immediately available to web connected
classes everywhere. To get the word
out, we are talking with regional organizations already (e.g. Saint Louis Area
Physics Teachers, American Chemical Society, American Association of Physics
Teachers, Central States Microscopy and Microanalysis Society). This project will convert teaching
assistants into active meeting participants.
It further allows us to follow through on undergraduate education
committee interest in teacher workshops at national AAPT meetings, and request
by an Am. J. Phys. co-editor for a
paper on the strategy. A paper for J.
Chem. Ed. may be prepared as well.
2. Web-based content-modernization generally: It is difficult for text publishers to lead
content-modernization, particularly if the courses don’t directly address
specific career needs of the students taking them. This project generates material for augmenting existing (and two
emergent content) classes, and makes it available for use by web-connected
teachers worldwide. Given the need for
inquiry-based content tied to real-world challenges, it could offer a
significant contribution by making figures "come to life" in a
variety of intro-science classes.
The explorer applet
The explorer applet