Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-jkksz Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-27T01:46:01.987Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Using Interdisciplinary Examples in Nanotechnology to Teach Concepts of Materials Science and Engineering

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 February 2011

Wendy C. Crone ,
Amy C. Payne ,
Greta M. Zenner ,
Arthur B. Ellis ,
George C. Lisensky ,
S. Michael Condren  and
Ken W. Lux
Wendy C. Crone
Affiliation:
Department of Engineering Physics, 1500 Engineering Dr., University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA, 608–262–8384, FAX 608–263–7451, [email protected]
Amy C. Payne
Affiliation:
Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
Greta M. Zenner
Affiliation:
Department of History of Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
Arthur B. Ellis
Affiliation:
Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
George C. Lisensky
Affiliation:
Department of Chemistry, Beloit College, Beloit, WI 53511, USA
S. Michael Condren
Affiliation:
Department of Chemistry, Christian Brothers University, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
Ken W. Lux
Affiliation:
Department of Engineering Physics, 1500 Engineering Dr., University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA, 608–262–8384, FAX 608–263–7451, [email protected]
Get access

Abstract

The National Science Foundation-supported Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) on Nanostructured Materials and Interfaces at the University of Wisconsin – Madison has an extensive education and outreach effort. One theme of this effort is the development of instructional materials based on cutting-edge research in nanoscale science and engineering. The Nanoworld Cineplex contains movies and demonstrations that can be brought into classes, and the Nanotechnology Lab Manual contains numerous experiments that can be used for virtual or actual laboratories. Also available are kits, software, teaching modules and articles. A hands-on kit for nontechnical audiences, “Exploring the Nanoworld,” has been produced in collaboration with the Institute for Chemical Education.

In this paper, novel hands-on demonstrations and innovative laboratory experiments aimed at the college level will be highlighted. High-tech devices and materials such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), shape memory alloys, amorphous metal, and ferrofluids are discussed in the classroom and studied in the laboratory as illustrations of nanotechnology and its impact on energy, the environment and our quality of life. These examples illustrate interdisciplinary research that provides connections among materials science, chemistry, physics, engineering, and the life sciences. They also highlight the tools of nanotechnology, such as scanning probe microscopy, electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and chemical vapor deposition, which are associated with the preparation and characterization of nanostructured materials. Demonstrations of the incorporation of nanotechnology to teach fundamental materials science principles presented are summarized at http://www.mrsec.wisc.edu/edetc.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 760: Symposium JJ – The Undergraduate Curriculum in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) , 2002 , JJ2.6
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2003

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

1. Karoub, J., “Merrill Lynch Report Bullish on Nanotech as an Investment,” (Small Times, 2001), Vol. 2002.Google Scholar
2. Roco, M. C., “A Frontier for Engineering - The Aim of Nanotechnology to Build the Future, Molecule by Molecule,” Mechanical Engineering 123 (1), 52–55 (2001).Google Scholar
3. Fonash, S. J., “Nanotechnology in Undergraduate Education Workshop: A Report and Recommendations Based on a Workshop Held on Sept. 11–12, 2002 at the National Science Foundation,” (2002).Google Scholar
4. Uddin, M. and Chowdhury, A. R., “Integration of Nanotechnology into the Undergraduate Engineering Curriculum,” presented at the Proceedings of the International Conference on Engineering Education, Oslo, Norway, 2001 (unpublished).Google Scholar
5. Fonash, S. J., “Education and Training of the Nanotechnology Workforce,” J. Nanoparticle Research 3 (1), 79–82 (2001).Google Scholar
6. Shaw, D. T., “An Introductory Course on Nanotechnology to Foster Creativity and Entrepreneurial Thinking,” presented at the International Conference on Engineering Education, Oslo, Norway, 2001 (unpublished).Google Scholar
7. Ellis, A. B., Kuech, T. F., Lisensky, G. C., Campbell, D. J., Condren, S. M., and Nordell, K. J., “Making the Nanoworld Comprehensible: Instructional Materials for Schools and Outreach,” J. Nanoparticle Research 1, 147–150 (1999).Google Scholar
8. Smestad, G. P. and Grätzel, M., “Demonstrating Electron Transfer and Nanotechnology: A Natural Dye-Sensitized Nanocrystalline Energy Converter,” J. Chem. Educ. 75 (6), 752–756 (1998).Google Scholar
9. National Nanotechnology Initiative: Information on Education, (http://www.nano.gov/courses.htm).Google Scholar
10. Campbell, D. J., Freidinger, E. R., Hastings, J. M., and Querns, M. K., “Spontaneous Assembly of Soda Straws,” J. Chem. Educ. 79 (2), 201–202 (2002).Google Scholar
11. Maye, M. M., Luo, J., Han, L., and Zhong, C.-J., “Chemical Analysis Using Scanning Force Microscopy: An Undergraduate Laboratory Experiment,” J. Chem. Educ. 79 (2), 207–210 (2002).Google Scholar
12. Fahlman, B. D., “Chemical Vapor Deposition of Carbon Nanotubes: An Experiment in Materials Chemistry,” J. Chem. Educ. 79 (2), 203–206 (2002).Google Scholar
13. Dasgupta, A., Dang, S. S., Matthes, R. A., and Takoudis, C. G., “A Web-Based Course on the Fundamentals and Design of Micro- and Nano-Electronic Processes: Challenges, Innovations and Benefits,” presented at the Proceedings of the International Conference on Engineering Education, Oslo, Norway, 2001 (unpublished).Google Scholar
14. Ong, E. W., Razdan, A., Garcia, A. A., Pizziconi, V. B., Ramakrishna, B. L., and Glaunsinger, W. S., “Interactive Nano-Visualization of Materials over the Internet,” J. Chem. Educ. 77 (9), 114–115 (2000).Google Scholar
15. UW MRSEC Education and Outreach Homepage, (http://www.mrsec.wisc.edu/edetc).Google Scholar
16. UW MRSEC Refrigerator Magnet Demonstration, (http://www.mrsec.wisc.edu/edetc/cineplex/fridge.html).Google Scholar
17. IBM STM Image Gallery, (http://www.almaden.ibm.com/vis/stm/gallery.html).Google Scholar
18. UW MRSEC Carbon Nanotubes, (http://www.mrsec.wisc.edu/edetc/cineplex/nanotube/).Google Scholar
19. The Institute for Chemical Education, (http://ice.chem.wisc.edu).Google Scholar
20. Lisensky, G. C., Ellis, A. B., and Neu, D. R., Optical Transform Kit, 90–002R ed. (Institute for Chemical Education, Madison, 1991).Google Scholar
21. Lisensky, G. C., Lucas, A. A., Nordell, K. J., Jackelen, A.-M. L., Condren, S. M., Tobe, R. H., and Ellis, A. B., DNA Optical Transform Kit, 99–001 ed. (Institute for Chemical Education, Madison, 1999).Google Scholar
22. ICE Optical Transform Kit, (http://ice.chem.wisc.edu/reference/Optical_Transform.html).Google Scholar
23. Ellis, A. B., Geselbracht, M. J., Johnson, B. J., Lisensky, G. C., and Robinson, W. R., Teaching General Chemistry: A Materials Science Companion (Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1993) pp 77–96.Google Scholar
24. ICE Solid State Model Kit, (http://ice.chem.wisc.edu/reference/Solid_State.html).Google Scholar
25. a) Condren, S. M., Lisensky, G. C., Ellis, A. B., Nordell, K. J., Kuech, T. F., and Stockman, S. A., “LEDs: New Lamps for Old and a Paradigm for Ongoing Curriculum Modernization,” J. Chem. Educ. 78, 1033–1040 (2001). b) see reference 23; experiment 7.Google Scholar
26. UW MRSEC Color Strip Kit, (http://www.mrsec.wisc.edu/edetc/strip/index.html).Google Scholar
27. Breitzer, J., Condren, S. M., Lisensky, G. C., Nordell, K. J., Widstrand, C. G., and Ellis, A. B., LED Color Strip Kit, 02–001 ed. (Institute for Chemical Education, Madison, 2002).Google Scholar
28. Lisensky, G. C., Beall, H., Campbell, D. J., Ellis, A. B., and Stewart, J., “Build a Better CD Player: How Can You Get Blue Light From a Solid?,” (John Wiley & Sons, New York, 2000).Google Scholar
29. UW MRSEC Lab Manual for Nanoscale Science and Technology, (http://www.mrsec.wisc.edu/edetc/nanolab/index.html).Google Scholar
30. Condren, S. M., Breitzer, J. G., Payne, A. C., Ellis, A. B., Widstrand, C. G., Kuech, T. F., and Lisensky, G. C., “Student-centered, Nanotechnology-enriched Introductory College Chemisty Courses for Engineering Students,” Int. J. Engng. Ed. 18 (5) (2002).Google Scholar
31. Nordell, Karen, personal communication (2002).Google Scholar
32. Enzel, P., Adelman, N., Beckman, K. J., Campbell, D. J., Ellis, A.B., and Lisensky, G. C., “Preparation of an Aqueous-Based Ferrofluid,” J. Chem. Educ. 76 (7), 943–948 (1999).Google Scholar
33. Condren, S. M., “Liquid Crystal: the Phase of the Future,” (1994).Google Scholar
34. Liquid Crystals, (http://www.cbu.edu/~mcondren/LC.htm).Google Scholar
35. UW MRSEC Web-based Movie Cineplex, (http://www.mrsec.wisc.edu/edetc/cineplex/index.html).Google Scholar