Democratizing the micro-scale: A simplified, miniaturized SEM for K-12 and informal student scientists

Abstract

Learners in K-12 schools and informal learning environments have historically had significantly less access to critical technologies than practicing scientists. They can observe pollen grains in basic light microscopes while studying plants, but cannot observe the surface structures that affect the pollens' dispersal. They can learn about structure-function relationships in insect anatomy, but not observe mechanosensory bristles on the eye of a fly they caught in their own classroom or learning space, nor the nanostructures enabling moths to hang upside-down on the ceiling. While today's student scientists have access to a great wealth of micro-and nano-scale images via the internet, they have so far been unable to take those images themselves. For K-12 student scientists and informal learners, direct observation of a great range of scientific phenomena has been impossible.

Gold Nanoparticle Probe-Assisted Antigen-Counting Chip Using SEM

“…Recently, there have been major advances in the miniaturization of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), − and simple to operate yet performant benchtop instruments are now commercially available. Compared with other electron microscopy technologies, SEM is characteristic of its rapidity, large scanning range, and facility of operation.…”