ABOVE IS MY FINAL CONCEPT MAP

Interesting stuff happening the last few days in lab. We are looking at cancer cells and precancerous cells. The confocal microscope is used to image the cells and the AFM is then used to test the rigidity of the cells, giving a force vs. depth graph. The slope of the graph is then analyzed to determine the "squishyness" of the cell in Force per cm. Generally, cancer cells are softer than normal cells but it is predicted that the softness should increase as cells go from normal through various precancerous stages to cancerous cells. The AMF pokes the cells in various places spread on the surface and each poke is analyzed.

With the newly installed temperature controlled stage, cells are able to be kept at body tempertature while on the stage, increasing the useful lifetime from a couple of hours to up to 8 hours before they die.

Cells are all huma esophogus cells.

Today in class we discussed RTOP. We were asked to compile a list of items that could be scored that could be observed in the classroom.. Our list consisted of:
Lesson Plan
Classroom Management
Student Engagement
Assessment
Pacing
Application
Use of technology

Cancer Cells

We are waiting for samples of precancer cells to test. While it has been shown that cancer cells have different physical properties from normal cells, speciically in the squishyness of the cells, it is believed that precancer cells will show a difference as well. The goal of the experiments is to show a progression in this property from normal cells to early precancerous cells to late precancerous cells to cancer cells. The AFM will record the data (hopefully) and combined with florescence techniques, may come the possibility of creating 3D images of these cells. The testing of these cells will continue all week, but the samples are late to arrive.

Lesson Idea

Lesson during Optics and Microscopy Unit:

1. Histroy of microscopy and scales

2. Explain the basics of AFM and how images are obtained. This can include video on basics of AFM

3. Students will design and build a macroscopic version of an AFM. They will be graded on how well they are able to mirror a real AFM, how sensitive they can make it, and how well they are able to obtain an "image" using their macroscopic AFM. Students will also need to use prior concepts and apply such as optics, spring constants, ect. depending on how they build their AFM.

Students will work in groups of 3 or 4, gather their own materials, and construct their AFMs in class. Paperwork will include schematic drawings of their design, and written explanation of the key features and how they mirror the features of a real AFM. Simple Coffee Cup design will be shown as an example to be improved upon.

Students will need to test their designs by "imaging" an unknown object (in a box or somehow hidden) and determining its stucture using their AFM.

Several different methods are expected. Hopefully the results will yield well constructed and not so well constructed versions using all types of designs.