Research Experiences for Undergraduates

A new hands-on, lab-based, introduction to nanoscience and technology was developed for freshman and sophomores at the University of Virginia. The course uses breadth-first active-learning methods that team members have employed successfully in previous introductory courses. The class builds upon the observation that, while nanoscience has attracted much public attention, popularizations are often based on fundamentally flawed  science.

Michelle bringing the probe into the sample on the STM

The project also partnered with the multi-site Science Museum of Virginia to both develop exhibits on nanoscience for the museum, and to work jointly on nanoscience training of K-12 students and teachers across the Commonwealth of Virginia through a course for Danville K-12 teachers on the teaching of nanoscience.

Primary Strategic Outcome Goal:
K-12 Education
Teacher Education and In-service Professional Development
Undergraduate Education and Undergraduate Student Research

Secondary Strategic Outcome Goals:
Engineering Research

In terms of intellectual merit, why is this outcome notable and/or important?
The intellectual merit of the course is in its message that it is precisely at the nanometer scale that the weird and unfamiliar principles of quantum mechanics come strongly into play. For this reason, the size and shape of a nanometer scale object becomes more important in determining its properties than its atomic composition. As a result, students are challenged to develop a new intuition, for a new set of rules. To ensure this result, the course is centered on the use of revolutionary table-top instruments that can provide students with personalized experiences of the new nanoworld.


In terms of  broader impacts , why is this outcome notable and/or important?
Merit Review Broader Impacts Criterion: Representative Activities, July 2007
To facilitate student understanding, and to ensure the course’s broader impact, the instructors built upon experience and infrastructure gained in the development of the “UVA Virtual Lab” website. This public science-education website employs 3D animations to explain the inner workings of scientific instruments such as scanning electron microscopes and atomic force microscopes. Building upon the international use of the existing website helps to ensure, from day one, that a large, diverse and growing user base is aware of the courseware offerings available. Dissemination is facilitated by UVA’s Research Experience for Teachers (RET) site under which the class materials will enhance the experience of K-12 teachers interning at UVA. By use of these dissemination paths, the new course not only impacts a cross-section of UVA students, but also provide resources for teachers well beyond the bounds of the university.


Does this highlight represent transformative or potentially transformative research?  If so, please explain why. For more information, see  Report to Congress: Transformative Research at the National Science Foundation, April 16, 2008
No


Does this highlight represent Broadening Participation?  If so, please explain why.
For more information, see  Broadening Participation at the National Science Foundation: A Framework for Action
No


Are there existing or potential societal benefits of this research? It is important for NSF to be able to provide examples of NSF-supported research that have societal benefits, including benefits to the U.S. economy.
For more information, see  Excerpt from Merit Review Broader Impacts Criterion: Representative Activities, July 2007
Yes
The project provides opportunities to both undergraduate and pre-college students for discovery through both laboratory projects and virtual experiments on the world wide web, leading to a greater interest in exploring nanoscience as a career.  For his work,  the project PI was awarded by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers  the Institute’s Undergraduate Teaching Medal. The IEEE is an over 400,000 member international organization that describes itself as “The world’s leading professional association for the advancement of technology.”

ENG/EEC 2009