The WeSEM project – Authentic Chemistry Learning using Scanning Electron Microscope

Leading team:

• Ella Yonai
• Prof. Ron Blonder

Project team:

• Dr. Dalit Shental (Davidson Institute)
• Dr. Eyal Shimoni
• Prof. Stephen Weiner

Secretariat and Administration:

Shani Motsa

Brief

The WeSEM project (Weizmann’s educational Scanning Electron Microscope) aims to provide science learners with direct access to state-of-the-art nanoscale science and technology. The use of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) creates an authentic, hands-on science experience, allowing students to explore different samples with the SEM, much in the way scientists use it for research.

Chemistry teachers, researchers from department, researchers from the science faculties and members of the Davidson Institute all collaborate on this research, development and implementation program. The project's goal is to design and enact an advanced teaching and learning SEM environment, which will provide teachers and students with access to an authentic science learning experience.

The project focuses on the design of the learning experience and environment in the ‘authenticity’ framework, and is enacted either face-to-face (f2f) or remotely. It is constructed in two stages: in the first stage, the participating science teachers are professionally trained in using the SEM environment, and in the second stage, they involve their students - bringing them to the Weizmann Institute, and enabling them to work with the SEM (or by remote mode of operation of the SEM). The project uses questionnaires and interviews aimed at investigating the influence of the design on the relations between affective factors (such as academic emotions, and attitudes), as well as authentic experiences and student outcomes in the f2f and remote settings.

The WeSEM project is supported by a research grant from the Estate of Sylvia Iwrey.

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