Illustrating High School Physics Concepts Using Microelectromechanical Systems

It has been widely demonstrated that students learn quickly, and are less likely to forget material when it is validated using a hands-on experimental approach. Young students are also interested in novel, high-tech applications, which they can understand. We have developed experiments using Microelectromechanical accelerometers and tilt sensors which demonstrate concepts of force and acceleration. The test experiments involve MEMS accelerometers, Game Boy, remote controlled or LEGO vehicles, and personal computers to allow students a hands-on approach to these concepts. Handouts involving the workings of the MEMS (tiny accelerometers made of Silicon) and SEM photos of the structures themselves are provided, along with a large-scale plexiglass model of the MEMS sensor, so that students can see how the MEMS sensors work. The experiments have been tested with high-school students enrolled in a summer research program at the University of California-Santa Barbara, and plans are in place to test the experiments with younger students (8 grade) as well. The experiments have been well-received thus far, and students seem captivated by the small-scale nature of the MEMS sensors. These experiments were designed with a former physics teacher (co-author) to assure that correct content was being presented in a way in which students could easily learn.