A speck of dust is huge compared to a semiconductor— so how can we make sure our microchips are clean? Using pennies and various liquids, Mrs. Pope and the Chip Kids discover which substance does the trick.
Explore how chemicals are used to keep microchips clean! Computer chips are made up of tiny components that are so small that a human hair or speck of dust would be huge in comparison. Let’s check out how engineers keep wafers clean as they are made. Grab some dirty pennies and a couple of household liquids (lemon juice, vinegar, and soapy water) to simulate how we can use chemicals to keep our microchips clean.
Vocabulary for Students to Define: Clean Room, Sterile, Personal Protective Equipment, Semiconductor, Microchip, Transistors
Teacher Guide for Lesson & Experiment
Student Handouts
