Wayne Fagerberg, professor emeritus of molecular, cellular, biomedical science (MCBS), showcases the University Instrumentation Center's microscopy for New Hampshire science teachers.
The University Instrumentation Center (UIC) hosted a half-day microscopy workshop Jan. 20 for K-12 science teachers in Parsons Hall at the University of New Hampshire.
The workshop was provided in auspice with the NH Science Teachers Association and was attended by 12 teachers. Attendees received a general overview of microscopy and specific techniques including atomic force, confocal and electron microscopy.
“The goal of the workshop was to provide an exposure to high end microscopes and their uses which are not normally part of the K-12 experience,” says Shawn Banker, director of the UIC. “This allows teachers to expand their courses to include more exposure to what may be used at a university.”
Banker says this was the first workshop of this scope held by the UIC and those in attendance expressed interest in it becoming an annual event. The UIC already supports K-12 and community colleges by providing access to these scientific tools through direct and remote interactions, including standard web sharing programs like Teamviewer ® and tours and demonstrations on-site.
The workshop was provided through an array of expertise at UNH, including Todd Gross, professor of mechanical engineering, Wayne Fagerberg, professor emeritus of molecular, cellular, biomedical science (MCBS), and Mark Townley of the UIC. Instrument demonstrations were performed by Gross, Townley, Nancy Cherim (UIC), Charles Walker (MCBS), and Tyler Bennett, a chemistry Ph.D. student.
Teachers also learned about UNH Tech Camp offerings from Carmella Amato-Wierda, professor of chemistry and director of Tech Camp. The camps are a set of summer programs designed to increase STEM literacy for students entering grades six through 12.
