Building a Successful Middle School Outreach Effort: Microscopy Camp.

With recent advances in the achievable resolution of electron microscopes, a direct method for demonstrating the atomic structure of solid crystals is available. Microscopy Camp was designed to introduce and reinforce current, scientifically acceptable concepts of the atomic structure of solid crystals. Ten middle school students attended Microscopy Camp for two days in August of 2005 at the University of Minnesota. The campers synthesized magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles, characterized the particles by visual inspection and light microscopy, and participated in the characterization of their particles using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). A pre-camp and post-camp assessment was made to gain insight into students� developing concepts regarding the atomic structure of solid crystals; qualitative results indicate improved post-camp understanding. The second goal of the program was to provide an invaluable experience to middle and high school science student teachers, who were integral to the design and implementation of this program. Finally, the success of Microscopy Camp 2005 critically depended upon the combined expertise of the chemist and science educator, and insights regarding establishing such a partnership and the design of the program are discussed.