Overview
Description:
"Exploring Tools - Special Microscopes" is a hands-on activity in which visitors use a flexible magnet as a model for a scanning probe microscope. They learn that SPMs are an example of a special tool that scientists use to work on the nanoscale.
Checklist
Scientist reviewed?
Peer reviewed?
Visitor evaluation?
Permissions
Creative Commons
Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike
Standards
Physical science:
K-4: Properties of objects and materials
5-8: Properties and changes of properties in matter
9-12: Structure and properties of matter
Science and Technology:
K-4: Understanding about science and technology
5-8: Understanding about science and technology
9-12: Understanding about science and technology
Extention
I was doing this program recently, and found a fun extension.
I accidentally left a permanent magnet on one of the big sheets. It created a local smooth spot for the scan probe. Luckily it was off on one edge, so it was easy to steer visitors away from it unless I thought they'd want to go deeper into the activity and discover more non-uniformity of the surface.