Semiconductors
What are Semiconductors?
Students will create copper sulfate crystals, then develop a model at the molecular level to apply their observations to other substances. In doing so, students will learn about how semiconductors are produced, and be exposed to other industrial and commercial uses for these materials.
Introduction to Cleanrooms
Students will participate in a cleanroom simulation in order to learn about microchip contaminants that can impact the semiconductor manufacturing process, and the personal protective equipment (PPE - or “bunny suits”) that prevent contamination.
Semiconductor Front-end Manufacturing
Students will learn about the manufacturing methods used to transform raw Silicon into positively- and negatively-charged components, along with the function of diodes and transistors in a computing system.
Photolithography
Students will learn how computer chips get transformed from a brick of processed material into the items we associate with electronic devices, by addressing Photolithography, or the method of stenciling complex designs into silicon wafer.
Running and Interpreting Tests and Troubleshooting
By engaging in a real engineering design challenge, students will be able to experience a high-stakes competition to solve their challenge through troubleshooting.
Components of a Cell Phone
Students will learn about elements on the periodic table, including ones instrumental to semiconductors, and how they are used to make electronic devices work.
The Silicon in SIlicon Valley
Students will explore the properties of metalloids and explain why silicon is the most commonly used element in semiconductors.
Let's go Solar!
Students will learn how solar cells are manufactured and how they capture energy, as well as how to angle a solar panel to capture the most amount of energy possible.