Investigating... my scanning electron microscope

Through my contact with researchers around the country, I have secured a scanning electron microscope (SEM). A typical classroom microscope can magnify about 2,000 times, making visible cells and small, thin objects.An SEM can magnify 300,000 times, allowing us to view structures of those cells in amazing detail.

I plan to integrate use of this microscope into my classes on forensics and environmental science. With this microscope, I also plan to engage my students in real research with my contacts nationwide.

By showing students what scientists really do and giving them a taste of that "eureka moment," when they're the first person to see something, I hope to inspire students to appreciate the continual process of discovery -- scientific or otherwise!

Here are is a photograph of the SEM:

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