From May 15-22, 2017, Hitachi and Mountain
House High School partnered to introduce students to the world of
nanotechnology.
Thanks to a special STEM Education Outreach Program
provided by Hitachi, Mountain House High school introduced students to the
world of nanotechnology using Hitachi’s Scanning Electron Microscope, which is
capable of magnification of up to 30,000 times. Hitachi’s Scanning Electron
Microscope is currently being used by scientists researching the Zika virus and
by the USDA to test imported food for bacteria.
Hitachi’s mission is to inspire the next generation of innovative
pioneers through the advancement of Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics. For over 25 years, Hitachi
has worked with schools across the nation to inspire and educate young minds.
Through this amazing opportunity students at MHHS
School had the opportunity to have hands-on experience with this powerful
instrument through Hitachi’s STEM Education Outreach Program. Students in AP Chemistry investigated potassium
trioxalatoferrate (III)
trihydrate crystals from their culminating lab
activity. Student in Principles of Biomedical Science investigated items of
their own choosing including but not limited to: leaves, hair, seeds, pollen,
cucumber skin, human skin, human finger nails, insects, Styrofoam, sand dollar,
rose petal, etc.
Some of the words that students used to describe
the experience include: interesting, astounding, excited, fascinating, cool,
mesmerizing, amazing. The picture below
shows students using the microscope, their reactions and one of the images
students viewed.
