Instructional Modules

Latest module versions: They are in various phases of development: Atomic Force Microscopy and Oleic Acid have been reworked with the benefit of feedback from K-12 Science teachers and others. The other modules will be revisited with the addition of visible human narrators, more explanation of terms and concepts etc...
Please send any comments or suggestions to feedback.chm@research.umass.edu

The current prototype format is Flash, with video embedded directly in the file. Our projected final format will be Flash, but with video, animation, graphics, etc linked from external files. This will enable faster access and metadata tagging of individual components for searching and reusability.

• Nanotechnology Educational Modules
• Electrochemical Deposition
• Atomic Force Microscopy
• Nanofilm Oleic Acid Langmuir Film
• Spin Coating
• Photolithography

Clean Room Training:

• Clean Room Tour
• Mask Aligner
• Developing a Wafer
• Electron Beam Evaporator
• Spin and Bake

CHMNanoEd Youtube channel:

• http://www.youtube.com/user/CHMnanoed/videos

The CHM's Nanotechnology Educational Development Group designs, plans, and produces re-purposeable web-based video educational modules on nanoscience and nanomanufacturing that incorporate video, 3D animation, graphics, text and voice. The basic concept is to use an open source philosophy for module creation and development. After one module is created for a specific educational audience or level, components of this module can be utilized with modifications for other audiences. For example, a K12 module created for U.S. middle school children can be repurposed with a new Spanish audio voice track for students in Puerto Rico or alternatively be modified into module for informal science education. This repurposing of modules provides a way to leverage the considerable value created in the video and animation components.

The Nano Education Development Group currently consists of the CHM Co-Director, the director of the UMass Amherst STEM Education Institute, the chair of the Electrical Engineering technology Department at Springfield Technical Community College, staff of the UMass Amherst Center for Education Software Development, faculty members from the departments of Art and Chemical Engineering, an experienced K-12 science teacher and outreach specialist, and graduate and undergraduate Physics students. Modules currently in production are on scanning force microscopy, an oleic acid nanolayer, spin coating, thin film deposition, photolithography, block copolymer templating, electrodeposition, and photonic crystals. Each module receives feedback and evaluation by teachers and students at the target educational audience level that is implemented in new versions.

As part of the CHM's outreach at the community college level, Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) participates in the development and beta testing of instructional modules. STCC instructional staff are members of the Nanotechnology Education Development Group, piloting the use of these modules as a nanotech component of STCC's Introduction to Computer Technology course. Pilot evaluation and feedback will help shape further module development, and STCC is actively engaging in national dissemination of these new curriculum materials throughout technical community college networks.