Support for Science (STEM) Education: Hitachi Electron Microscope comes to Mountain House High School

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.