B. L. Ramakrishna

Interactive nano-visualization for science and engineering education

A novel, web-based Interactive Nano-Visualization for Science and Engineering Education (IN-VSEE) initiative is currently under development at Arizona State University and collaborating institutions that offers asynchronous distance learning of material systems remotely over the WWW. IN-VSEE exploits advanced telecommunications to facilitate remote operation of scanning probe instruments over the web directly from the classroom. The IN-VSEE multidisciplinary initiative can be used to reinforce biomaterials science and engineering concepts, as well as for training bioengineering students interested in understanding and exploiting man-made and naturally derived biomaterials at the micro- and nanoscale.

Why Does a Light Bulb Burn Out

ABSTRACT The online educational module “Why Does a Light Bulb Burn Out?” is an inquiry-based introduction to the concepts of materials and material properties through the interactive exploration of the life of the incandescent light bulb that students use every day. The module offers an exploration of the history of the light bulb, its components, and important filament properties. Students discover the relationship between temperature and incandescence, along with electrical power and resistance through interactive Java applets. Then students “invent” their own filaments through virtual temperature, performance and longevity tests of a variety of candidate materials. Next, students follow the filament aging process using scanning-electron/atomic-force microscopy images. The module culminates in students designing their own materials experiments using SPM Live! online at http://invsee.asu.edu. Student evaluations indicate students both enjoy and learn effectively using the module.

Learning Materials Science Via the Web Using Nanospheres and Scanning Probe Microscopes

The Interactive Nano-Visualization for Science and Engineering Education (IN-VSEE) project at Arizona State University (ASU) has developed a remotely operable scanning probe microscope (SPM), a visualization gallery of images, and a number of educational modules with materials themes. It exploits the incredible potential of materials science for teaching at the high school and college level about fundamental concepts that cross traditionally separated disciplines. The packing of spheres is a topic that is ideal for linking together the different science and engineering disciplines because of the ubiquity and relevance of spheres in the materials world and the universality of the rules that govern their packing over a large range of sizes. Students can perform a number of discovery-based learning activities, over the web by simultaneously using IN-VSEE’s web-accessible module (e.g., The Music of Spheres) and its remotely operable SPM for experimenting with nanosphere samples that they prepare. With these resources students can pose materials questions and are empowered to design their experiments to increase their understanding of real materials. The fundamental concepts (e.g., packing geometry, density, surface composition, long-range/short-range ordering, intermolecular forces, etc.) they learn through these materials science experiments are applicable to many other curricular, research, and technology areas.