Kermin Joel Martínez-Hernández, Anne Lynn Gillian-Daniel, Greta M. Petersen (University of Wisconsin – Madison, USA)
It has been researched for years that laboratory activities can promote the development of logic, problem-solving skills, and inquiry. When this laboratory experience is authentic students gain ownership in their decision making and as a result they are motivated to conduct research because it is something that they want to do. The development of nanotechnology outreach educational activities can be a venue for undergrad/grad students to develop research skills, have an exposure to analytical instrumentation, and transfer their content knowledge by developing an educational activity and presenting their activity to middle/high school students. In this presentation, I will propose the development of undergraduate/graduate research program based on my experiences mentoring undergraduate students and working in nanotechnology related outreach events. In addition, I will present results from activities developed by my undergraduate students as well as providing ways to assess and implement this program at your institution.