Outreach programs
The outreach program at the Centre for Advanced Microscopy introduces high school students to the fascinating world of microscopy.
High school and college outreach
CAM's outreach program provides a unique opportunity for high school students to learn about microscopy and its wide-ranging applications.
During a pre-arranged site-visit, students are shown a range of powerful microscopes (including light microscopes and state-of-the-art electron microscopes) and their potential use in subjects such as biology, physics, archaeology, chemistry and palaeontology.
A visit to CAM can ignite students' enthusiasm and can also provide teachers with a launch pad for future lessons.
Teachers can arrange to have their own samples viewed, otherwise we use samples directly related to research at ANU. Samples are magnified under different microscopes showing details smaller than 5 nm (0.000005 mm).
Students are given some hands-on experience with the microscopes and have the opportunity to take their own images home.
The outreach program is run by CAM staff who are specialists in various scientific disciplines. To enquire about being part of our program, please email CAM, or contact us on (02) 6125 3543. We will then arrange a meeting, to discuss and arrange a suitable time for your students to come and visit us at the Centre.
InspireSTEM
CAM is proud to participate in the nationally recognised InspireSTEM program, led by NewSpec and supported by a network of research facilities, including Microscopy Australia and AuScope.
Through InspireSTEM, schools can access advanced microscopy equipment that would otherwise be unavailable in a classroom setting. A highlight of the program is the travelling scanning electron microscope (SEM), which allows students and teachers to explore the microscopic world in extraordinary detail. Schools can borrow a desktop Hitachi TM4000 SEM for up to two weeks, with teacher training and technical support provided by CAM staff. There are an additional three ZEISS light microscopes available for loan, and all loans to public schools are free of charge.
Students can investigate a wide range of everyday specimens, from insects and plant materials to minerals and manufactured objects, discovering intricate structures that are invisible to the naked eye.
Schools and teachers interested in participating in the program can contact A/Prof. Melanie Rug at melanie.rug@anu.edu.au to find out more.