Development of a web-based SEM specifically for K-12 education

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is uniquely suited for use in education due to its ability to produce clear three-dimensional-looking images of virtually any sample. Elementary and secondary science textbooks regularly contain SEM images of bugs, plants, human tissue, rocks, etc. as a means of illustrating the microscopic world to students. However, despite the widespread use of SEM images for educational purposes microscope companies have virtually ignored the area of education in their development and design of SEMs, due presumably to a perceived lack of marketing potential in this area. This article presents the results of a program aimed at developing a Web-based SEM that is specifically designed for educational use by students and teachers in pre-college classrooms. While virtually all companies tout some form of remote control, no concerted effort has been made to fully develop these capabilities for use by the education sector. The microscope under development, termed the WebSEM, seeks to remedy this situation and address this neglected market. Remote control of the WebSEM is possible by means of a simple web interface that allows the users a wide range of controls, depending on the skill of the operator at the remote site. The web interface is specifically designed to be simple and reliable such that little or no training is required for use. This joint effort between educators and a microscope manufacturer is the first attempt at the development of a truly education-oriented SEM suitable for use in the classroom.