Science by Wuk

We were taken into the lab to observe our Sol Gel sample using the TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope). SO COOL! With this high powered microscope we were able to magnify our sample 30,000 times to see the atoms in our sample.  It was magnified to the point at which we were able to see that our particles came out to a size between 3 and 10 nanometers!!!

My students have always asked me, “If you can’t see an atom how do you know it is there?”.  Before I have referred to this type of microscope that is out there that allows for you to see really really tiny particles.  Now I can show them these pictures and pictures of this microscope so they have something to grasp and put a picture to.  This was really exciting to first make a sample and then see it under this type of magnification! Thank you Hassnain!

Due to technical difficulties, the last 2 days we have been restricted to which instruments we can fiddle with.  Today we worked on the XPS and learned how to characterize substances.  We only have a few more instruments to learn, and then it will be into the nitty gritty of the research.  Our research is basically broken up into 3 parts.  First we create the sample, then we characterize it, and finally applications of the substance.  Bring it on!!!!

On a personal note, I just want to thank one of our grad students Emre.  Who was extremely helpful with us today and answering all of our questions.  I know our group isn’t the easiest to work with thanks to a few (ONE REALLY) knuckleheads in the group

sol-gel-pics1Today we completed MOST of the Sol Gel synthesis (minus a 12 – 15 hour waiting period for the solvent to dissolve and leave us with the CoFe2O4 nanoparticles).  Thanks to our fearless leader Hassnain (seen in following pics) we have created our first Sol Gel material!  The first day of the synthesis was spent adding the reactants together, and dissolving into the DEG solvent.  Day 2 was spent using the centrifuge to separate out the materials that were larger than a 5 nm size.  The dark liquid will be left to evaporate, and the substance left over SHOULD be out compound of a 5 nm size Sol Gel material.

Today was synthesizing day!  We spent the majority of the day in the lab creating a Sol Gel sample that will be later used in lab for analysis purposes.  The entire process is an all day event, but we were able to see the important steps.  We eventually create a nanoparticle sample, with magnetic properties that will be used in some CD’s, computer parts ect.  This time consuming process is very particular when it comes to pressure, temperature, and rate of aliquots in order to create a 2-5 nm size particle that will be useful in this field.  The majority of the process was created in a Schlenk flask as seen in “soon to be posted pictures!” yeah!   Once the material is complete it will still need to go through a clarifying process, and the analyzed to make sure the only substances in the sample are composed of CoFe2O4.  (Nick had the very serious job of turning off the dropper instrument, VERY HI-TECH! Job well done Nick!)

Today we spent most of the day reading some background information on our projects.  I feel as if the most important part in all this is understanding the history of this research.  It will be a neat lesson to show the students where solar energy was first discovered, and how far technology has evolved to make it more efficient, and where we are with it today.  I want them to see the advancements engineers have made in this field.

As of right now the question of “How can my project help improve my curriculum?” is still vague.  However, the one thing I want to carry with me through this program is to make it a goal of mine to bring this experience back to my students and clear up the fog of “what can I do with science and math?”.  As well as, help them understand the idea of engineering studies.

After the first couple of days learning the lab equipment, and observing some projects, there is one key ingredient that I have notice is needed for success….patience.  These students will spend hours on a project or run only to realize there product is useless, or they forgot to turn on the gas, or a machine breaks.  When I go back to my classroom I will have one more requirement to add to being a successful engineer, along with math and science.  I commend all of my fellow researchers on there patience with me as they guide use through their work!

To be paper, not to be paper, that is the question?  How can we eliminate the excessive use of paper and the infamous duplicates that have plagued our schools for years?  Can technology really be the answer? Last year my students and I spent a collective total of 150 hours of going room to room collecting recycled paper and finding a way to be a friend to the environment.  But that still couldn’t stop those printer happy students from printing there 30 English reports when they can be emailing! Project Green Schools is on their way for year 2 at my school, lets see if we can beat down this paper bug for good!