The new teaching methods developed and tested by the author, which are implemented on the basis of the CMM-2000 serial microscope, make it possible to conduct interesting and understandable training courses in probe microscopy and nanotechnology.
Теги: atomic resolution cканирующая зондовая микроскопия scanning probe microscopy vocational guidance атомное разрешение профессиональная ориентация
The unique training course, which includes the assembly of a microscope by our own hands, is conducted by the author since 2008. After its completion, the overwhelming majority of the students of the group can work with microscopes (only a few students could do it without assembling). The course develops the confidence of students in their abilities and shapes the confidence in domestic technology. After assembling the device, students are not afraid to modify it for carrying out specific experiments, for example, for scanning a wire with deposited nanoparticles, hot-heated by current. Thus, the skills of working on non-standard devices in special areas develop, where the probability of making new discoveries is higher. The simplicity of the CMM-2000 microscope/assembly kit, consisting of only 16 solderless parts, allows it to be mastered by schoolchildren; the design calculation and the assembly of this microscope were included in the pre-professional examination of the school engineering classes [1].
ATOMIC RESOLUTION ON SCHOOL DESK
The training of probe microscopy begins with the history of obtaining a Nobel Prize for achieving atomic resolution, after which students have a desire to test this possibility. The unique design of the CMM-2000 microscope ensures the achievement of atomic resolution and allows directly on the desk to demonstrate the acquisition of images of atoms, which strengthens the confidence of students.
PATH TO SCIENCE
The teacher, having the CMM-2000 microscopes included in the state register of measuring instruments of Russia, for which reliable atomic resolution in the modes of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been achieved for educational purposes, can invite familiar and unfamiliar scientists to send samples for research. After scanning, students send the received images via email. The 72-hour program of the probe microscopy course allows implementing such a scheme of cooperation [2], which facilitates the involvement of students in scientific activity. Together with the samples, scientists transmit the "spark" of their scientific search, often include the images in scientific publications and even note the students among the co-authors, laying the beginning of their scientific path. Students with publications can, for example, participate in competitions for grants or personal scholarships. Very useful is also the ability to present results in accordance with the requirements for scientific articles [3]. Having printed a collection of the best of these articles, the teacher raises the students' self-esteem and forms their vocational guidance.
PROJECT RESEARCH
After explaining the essence of the operating modes of probe microscopes, the teacher can entrust the students themselves with the generation of topics for project, course and diploma work. By directing them to the path of independent scientific research, he simultaneously solves the problem of the usual shortage of issues for such works.
In addition to the basic modes of STM and contact, tapping and non-contact AFM, the CMM-2000 microscope provides the possibility of using even more than 25 additional modes [4]. They allow nanometric accuracy in a wide range of temperatures (from –40 to 150 °C and above) to obtain maps of the distribution on the relief of various physical properties: electrical conductivity, electrical potentials, capacitance, magnetization, electroluminescence, photosensitivity, electron density, impurity concentration and other semiconductor properties, thermal conductivity, friction, adhesion, elasticity, viscosity, acoustic properties, a wide range of piezoelectric and magnetic properties, and even molecular composition [5]. The student's task at the same time is to select for the sample a mode that reveals his specific qualities, and to reconstruct the microscope for this mode. Multiplying the number of properties examined in different modes by the number of possible types of research objects, we get an almost unlimited number of subjects of modern physical experiment. For example, the author has by no means exhausted it for many years of teaching at MEPhI (since 2006) and at MIET (since 2008).
REMOTE CONTROL
The function of remote control of the CMM-2000 microscope opens a new opportunity for students to perform laboratory and design work. Inserting the sample into the microscope during study time [5], students can operate the device using any computer from home or from another location at any time of the day. At the same time the teacher controls on the microscope's computer the activity of the students and determines who needs individual assistance. And students can obtain the first experience of commercialization of knowledge and skills, performing orders for scanning samples for a fee, and this in every sense brings them benefits.
COMPUTER GAMES
AND 3D PRINTERS
At present, much attention is paid to vocational guidance of schoolchildren, children's educational centers and technoparks are being created. But, although schoolchildren are sent to them in whole classes, only those educational programs that are really interesting to visitors are effective in the end. The CMM-2000 microscope since 2017 has unique options [4] for initial involvement of schoolchildren, who have proven themselves in practice, and there is already experience of organizing paid courses. For example, after printing out the relief of the obtained image on a 3D printer, the student can literally touch himself with the "nano-world", mysterious and unlike the usual macro world. It is especially interesting to "feel" the atoms. It is also interesting to observe the work of a 3D printer. Also, it is possible [5] to use the microscope image in the computer games (Minecraft and others), and to play in "nano-world", as if diminishing to its size – to build, to fight, to fly, including in virtual reality using 3D helmet. This attracts schoolchildren and is a bridge to their career guidance. ■
ATOMIC RESOLUTION ON SCHOOL DESK
The training of probe microscopy begins with the history of obtaining a Nobel Prize for achieving atomic resolution, after which students have a desire to test this possibility. The unique design of the CMM-2000 microscope ensures the achievement of atomic resolution and allows directly on the desk to demonstrate the acquisition of images of atoms, which strengthens the confidence of students.
PATH TO SCIENCE
The teacher, having the CMM-2000 microscopes included in the state register of measuring instruments of Russia, for which reliable atomic resolution in the modes of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been achieved for educational purposes, can invite familiar and unfamiliar scientists to send samples for research. After scanning, students send the received images via email. The 72-hour program of the probe microscopy course allows implementing such a scheme of cooperation [2], which facilitates the involvement of students in scientific activity. Together with the samples, scientists transmit the "spark" of their scientific search, often include the images in scientific publications and even note the students among the co-authors, laying the beginning of their scientific path. Students with publications can, for example, participate in competitions for grants or personal scholarships. Very useful is also the ability to present results in accordance with the requirements for scientific articles [3]. Having printed a collection of the best of these articles, the teacher raises the students' self-esteem and forms their vocational guidance.
PROJECT RESEARCH
After explaining the essence of the operating modes of probe microscopes, the teacher can entrust the students themselves with the generation of topics for project, course and diploma work. By directing them to the path of independent scientific research, he simultaneously solves the problem of the usual shortage of issues for such works.
In addition to the basic modes of STM and contact, tapping and non-contact AFM, the CMM-2000 microscope provides the possibility of using even more than 25 additional modes [4]. They allow nanometric accuracy in a wide range of temperatures (from –40 to 150 °C and above) to obtain maps of the distribution on the relief of various physical properties: electrical conductivity, electrical potentials, capacitance, magnetization, electroluminescence, photosensitivity, electron density, impurity concentration and other semiconductor properties, thermal conductivity, friction, adhesion, elasticity, viscosity, acoustic properties, a wide range of piezoelectric and magnetic properties, and even molecular composition [5]. The student's task at the same time is to select for the sample a mode that reveals his specific qualities, and to reconstruct the microscope for this mode. Multiplying the number of properties examined in different modes by the number of possible types of research objects, we get an almost unlimited number of subjects of modern physical experiment. For example, the author has by no means exhausted it for many years of teaching at MEPhI (since 2006) and at MIET (since 2008).
REMOTE CONTROL
The function of remote control of the CMM-2000 microscope opens a new opportunity for students to perform laboratory and design work. Inserting the sample into the microscope during study time [5], students can operate the device using any computer from home or from another location at any time of the day. At the same time the teacher controls on the microscope's computer the activity of the students and determines who needs individual assistance. And students can obtain the first experience of commercialization of knowledge and skills, performing orders for scanning samples for a fee, and this in every sense brings them benefits.
COMPUTER GAMES
AND 3D PRINTERS
At present, much attention is paid to vocational guidance of schoolchildren, children's educational centers and technoparks are being created. But, although schoolchildren are sent to them in whole classes, only those educational programs that are really interesting to visitors are effective in the end. The CMM-2000 microscope since 2017 has unique options [4] for initial involvement of schoolchildren, who have proven themselves in practice, and there is already experience of organizing paid courses. For example, after printing out the relief of the obtained image on a 3D printer, the student can literally touch himself with the "nano-world", mysterious and unlike the usual macro world. It is especially interesting to "feel" the atoms. It is also interesting to observe the work of a 3D printer. Also, it is possible [5] to use the microscope image in the computer games (Minecraft and others), and to play in "nano-world", as if diminishing to its size – to build, to fight, to fly, including in virtual reality using 3D helmet. This attracts schoolchildren and is a bridge to their career guidance. ■
Readers feedback