An Introduction to Scanning Electron Microscopy and Science Communication Skills for Undergraduate Chemistry Students

• Matilynn Lam ^[1] ; Casey Schwarz ^[2] ; Rashi Sharma ^[1] ; Julie Donnelly ^[1]
  1. [1] University of Central Florida

     University of Central Florida

     Estados Unidos

     
  2. [2] Ursinus College

     Ursinus College

     Borough of Collegeville, Estados Unidos

     
• Localización: Journal of chemical education, ISSN 0021-9584, Vol. 100, Nº 7, 2023, págs. 2802-2808
• Idioma: inglés
• Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
• Resumen

  • Despite the growing importance of nanomaterials in numerous industries, most undergraduate chemistry students are unlikely to encounter characterization techniques common in the field during their education. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a common technique for materials characterization widely used in careers chemistry students are likely to pursue. However, this technique, and others like it, are virtually inaccessible to undergraduate students. In this activity, we used an SEM simulator in a Physical Chemistry lab activity to familiarize students with the technique. As the calls for more effective communication skills among chemistry graduates increase, we used a framework for effective SciComm to teach students to interpret the SEM images. To present the images they generated and demonstrate their understanding of SEM and how it works, students created products based on scenarios with different audiences, purposes, and formats. This type of activity could be used to make typically inaccessible techniques accessible to undergraduates and offer an opportunity for students to practice their SciComm skills.