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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2007  > June  >
Chemistry for Everyone
Chemistry for Kids
Building a Successful Middle School Outreach Effort: Microscopy Camp
R. Lee Penn
Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455

Leslie Flynn
Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455

Page Johnson
Department of Science, Edina High School, Edina, MN 55439

Cover
June 2007
Vol. 84 No. 6
p. 955
Abstract
With recent advances in the achievable resolution of electron microscopes, a direct method for demonstrating the atomic structure of solid crystals is available. Microscopy Camp was designed to introduce and reinforce current, scientifically acceptable concepts of the atomic structure of solid crystals. Ten middle school students attended Microscopy Camp for two days in August of 2005 at the University of Minnesota. The campers synthesized magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles, characterized the particles by visual inspection and light microscopy, and participated in the characterization of their particles using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). A pre-camp and post-camp assessment was made to gain insight into students’ developing concepts regarding the atomic structure of solid crystals; qualitative results indicate improved post-camp understanding. The second goal of the program was to provide an invaluable experience to middle and high school science student teachers, who were integral to the design and implementation of this program. Finally, the success of Microscopy Camp 2005 critically depended upon the combined expertise of the chemist and science educator, and insights regarding establishing such a partnership and the design of the program are discussed.
Supplement
Instructions for the students and notes for the instructor are available.
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Citation
Penn, R. Lee; Flynn, Leslie; Johnson, Page. J. Chem. Educ. 2007, 84, 955.
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Keywords
Atomic Properties / Structure; Chemical Education Research; Crystals / Crystallography; Curriculum; Elementary / Middle School Science; General Public; Laboratory Instruction; Misconceptions / Discrepant Events; Public Understanding / Outreach; Solids
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
4/24/2007
5/2/2007
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