Scanning probe microscopes are important tools that allow researchers to examine nanoscale objects and materials. In this lesson, students simulate the function of a scanning probe microscope.This activity works best in groups of 3 students. Scanning Probe Microscopes (SPMs) of various types trace surface features by movement of a very fine pointed tip mounted on a flexible arm across a surface. SPM enables resolution of features down to ~1 nm in height, allowing imaging of single atoms under ideal conditions. In this activity, students will use their index finger as a probe to scan unseen objects.

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Sandrine Martin

NNIN site at the University of Michigan NSF ECCS 0335765

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

• Sandrine Martin, NNCI Nano (2020), "Scanning Probe Microscopy: "Feeling" What You Can't See at the Nanometer Scale," https://nanohub.org/resources/32182.

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1. high school
2. K-12
3. materials science
4. microscopy
5. middle school
6. Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
7. NNCI Educational Materials
8. physical science
9. scanning probe microscopy (SPM)