West Greene students explore the microscopic world of nanotechnology
West Greene High School
Students at West Greene High School are learning how small technologies can have a big impact on the world.
According to Jeanine Wilcox, secondary science teacher at West Greene, more than 70 students have studied nanotechnology, which centers around the district’s scanning electron microscope (SEM).
“Nanotechnology is a leading and accelerating field of study within this science with no sign of slowing down,” said Wilcox, who teaches chemistry, forensics and nanotechnology/microscopy courses. “As a district, it feels necessary for us to expose our students to this field.”
So, what exactly is nanotechnology?
The scientific term of nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on an atomic, molecular and supramolecular scale.
“A more simplified explanation would be that it’s all about working with really, really small stuff such as atoms and molecules,” said district Academic Director Eric Gaydos. “By manipulating these tiny building blocks, scientists can create new materials and devices with special properties and functions, and check for purity. It’s basically the science of working with incredibly small things that have big potential.”
Gaydos said at West Greene, students are offered physics, chemistry, biology, forensic science and engineering courses, where they learn about the applications of nanotechnology ranging from medicine and health care to electronics, energy production, environmental protection, crime scene investigation and more.
“Additionally, we also try to identify trends in the workforce as well as where the students’ interests may lie,” Gaydos said.
Wilcox added that the exposure to the SEM allows students the opportunity to excel in nanotechnology.
“West Greene stands out, especially in this field, due to exposing our students to this flourishing area of study through inquiry-based, hands-on experiences by offering an actual nanotechnology course, and a course designed around our very own scanning electron microscope (SEM),” she said.
Gaydos said instead of using light like a traditional microscope, the SEM uses a focused beam of electrons to scan the surface of a sample after all other matter is vacuumed out of the chamber. This produces high-resolution images that reveal the topography, composition and other characteristics of the sample.
“The SEM is a great tool for studying the structure and properties of materials, biological specimens and various other objects at the micro and nanoscale,” he said.
Wilcox added that she believes the courses will help prepare students for future academic success.
“Our students today are exposed to so many different fields of study before ever walking into our district. (B)y recognizing this, we want to ensure our students are offered avenues that will foster these interests and allow them to explore new, and growing areas of study, preparing them for their time after West Greene,” Wilcox said.
West Greene also began offering a drone program to middle school students this year thanks to a partnership with the EQT Foundation, The EdVenture Group and the Innovation Institute 4 Tomorrow.
Gaydos said through these partnerships, the district is partnering with the other schools throughout the county to implement building, coding and flying drones from For The Win Robotics. Each school has a set of drones to use in the classroom to teach the curriculum from FTW Robotics.
“We (hosted) the county’s first Rural Wings Drone Showcase and Competition on May 15 at the EQT Center in Waynesburg. We are proud to be a part of the Remake Learning Days Network,” he said.
Whether from the microscopic world of nanotechnology or in the developing technology of drones, for students of West Greene, the sky’s the limit.