Graphene Aerogel in the Classroom: A Tiered Approach to Learning and Analysis Using Scanning Electron Microscopy

Graphene aerogel (GA) is an ultralightweight material that has garnered much attention within recent decades due to its unique properties and wide-ranging applications from environmental protection to electronic devices. However, it is not well-known outside of those who study it. A common tool for characterizing the microstructure of GA and materials generally on the micrometer and nanometer scales is scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a tool educators can access via the Remotely Accessible Instruments for Nanotechnology (RAIN) and Hitachi programs. Partnered with this technique, the novel attributes of GA make it a good candidate for introducing nanoscience, as well as engineering concepts and analysis, into the classroom across a variety of age groups prior to advanced postsecondary education. This activity outlines a framework for a tiered approach to learning, allowing educators to build off each tier to build understanding, incorporate new concepts into current lessons, and tailor content to the students’ resource capacity and background knowledge. Multiple modes of learning are outlined across three tiers, where instructors are encouraged to pick and choose what suits their learning environments the best. To demonstrate this, two cohorts of students, from local community colleges and a local elementary school, participated in a subset of the activities as a part of Stanford University’s nano@stanford outreach events. Both groups thoroughly engaged with the activity and, through surveys, indicated an overall trend that their interest and understanding of nanoscience and nanotechnology increased.