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.