AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS

SYSTEM FOR EDUCATION

Ellery FrahmGeology & Geophysics Dept

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

INTRODUCTION

• Today most universities have web-based ed.

• Stanford: video lectures 25+ years ago.

• Advancements in communication/computers.

• Remote access to instrumentation.

• Usually geared toward research.

• Interest for education; fits science inquiry.

• Our system went fully online in 2003.

• First used routinely for undergrad education.

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

U of MN Electron Micropobe LabU of MN Electron Micropobe Lab

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

JEOL 8900 Electron

Microprobe

Based on an image by JEOL

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

Electron Optical System

Based on an image by JEOL

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

Secondary Electron Imaging

Based on an image by JEOL

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

Backscatter Electron Imaging

Based on an image by JEOL

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

Energy-Dispersive

Spectrometry

Based on an image by JEOL

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

Wavelength-Dispersive

Spectrometry

Based on an image by JEOL

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

ReflectedVisible-Light Microscopy

Based on an image by JEOL

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

USERS FAR AND NEARUSERS FAR AND NEAR

North Dakota StateNorth Dakota State

Univ of Minnesota, DuluthUniv of Minnesota, Duluth

GrandValleyState

GrandValleyState

Map by Paul MorinMap by Paul Morin

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

THE PROBLEM

• Exposure to state-of-the-art instruments used to analyze geologic materials.

• “Real thing” vs. book description.

• Limited access to scientific tools.

• Valuable class time: focus on key concepts.

• Takes time to learn instrument operation.

• Expensive instruments (microprobe: >$1M).

• Practical: cannot fit entire class in lab.

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

SCIENCE INQUIRY

• Engage students in learning process.

• Clarify and apply new knowledge.

• Solve problems; make decisions.

• Involve entire class or small groups.

• Provide context for learning:

• e.g., mineral classification, P-T calculation.

• Can occur in front of microprobe.

• How accomplished w/o microprobe?

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

EARLIER STRATEGIES

• “Virtual” electron microscopes:

• Simulations with Quicktime/Flash/Java.

• Electron image databanks.

• Software emulators.

• Notable examples:

• Cambridge: Virtual SEM Project.

• Kennedy Space Center and UIUC: VSEM.

• Holon Academic Inst: Virtual Training SEM.

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

WHAT OUR SYSTEM IS

• Remote observation.

• No special software required:

• Conventional web browsers.

• Platform-independent access.

• Very simple interface.

• Audio via phone or internet.

• Four live video feeds:

• Replicate what microprobe operator sees.

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

WHAT OUR SYSTEM IS NOT

• Remote control.

• Direct instrument interface via web.

• Traditional videoconferencing.

• Computer “mirroring” or sharing.

• Large-scale research “collaboratory.”

• Publicly accessible webcam.

• Previously used remote control.

• Chose observation for several reasons…

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

CONTROL CHALLENGES

• Can slow down workstation.

• Often requires special software.

• Need the “feel” of the instrument:

• Little or no lag time in responses.

• Understandable user interface:

• Use must know how to operate proficiently.

• Too complex to redesign for web interface.

• Vendor/instrument-specific software…

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

JEOL 8900 ProprietaryJEOL 8900 Proprietary

JEOL 8200 ProprietaryJEOL 8200 Proprietary

Geller dQuant32Geller dQuant32

Probe for WindowsProbe for Windows

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

SEM AT UNIV OF ILLINOIS

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

EMPA: MORE TO CONTROL

System block diagram by JEOL

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

SAFETY & SECURITY

• Protect instrument/network from two groups:

• Students (curious) & hackers (malicious).

• Prevent damage to instrument.

• Prevent software hacking or data theft.

• User name and password protected.

• Avoid casual watchers or spying eyes.

• Remote observation: isolated video server.

• No direct link to other servers/computers.

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

ONLINE MICROSCOPES

• Materials Microcharacterization Collaboratory.

• Oak Ridge, Argonne, NIST, UIUC, others.

• SEMs and TEMs; no electron microprobes.

• Other electron microscopes:

• Teaching SEM at University of Michigan.

• CyberSTEM, University of Queensland.

• FL Center for Analytical Electron Microscopy.

• Geared for advanced research, esp. mat. sci.

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

OTHER MICROPROBES?

• University of Oregon, CAMCOR:

• Consulted with us in 2004 to set up similar observational system.

• MIT w/ two old JEOL 733s; limited control.

• Oak Ridge National Lab: “...after two years we have had no request...”

• Florida Intl U: control, few regular users.

• Ours only one routinely used for education.

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

K-feldsparK-feldspar

AlbiteAlbite

QuartzQuartz

AmphiboleAmphibole

EXAMPLE: RHYOLITEEXAMPLE: RHYOLITE

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

COMMUNICATION

• Over telephone; speaker phone.

• Text/audio/video chat via internet:

• Instant messages, microphones, webcams.

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

SYSTEM APPLIED

• Entire class or students in small groups.

• Students involved; they can:

• View electron images of a thin section.

• Ask for certain grains to be analyzed.

• See resulting X-ray spectra.

• Concentrate on geologic principles.

• Less focus on instrument operation.

• Professor or TA can ask questions, facilitate.

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

RELEVANT TOPICS

• Mineral, rock identification, classification.

• Pressure-temperature determinations.

• e.g., garnet, muscovite, biotite, plag.

• Crystallization of magmas, equilibrium.

• Common mineral assemblages.

• e.g., common minerals in rhyolite, etc.

• Calculation of mineral formulae.

• e.g., convert weight percents to formulae.

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

EDS EXAMPLES 1

Apatite

Apatite

Biotite

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

EDS EXAMPLES 2

Apatite

Garnet

Hornblende

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

EDS EXAMPLES 3

Apatite

Orthopyroxene

Plagioclase

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

ADVANTAGES

• Analyze students’ own thin sections:

• View beforehand under VL microscope.

• Know relative size of their sample.

• See microstructure for themselves.

• Collect chemical data; P-T calculations.

• Make EMPA more concrete to students.

• Learn about modern instrument operation, data acquisition, and analysis procedures.

AN ELECTRON MICROPROBE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REMOTE-ACCESS SYSTEM FOR EDUCATIONEllery Frahm, Electron Microprobe Laboratory, Department of Geology & Geophysics, University of Minnesota

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Peter McSwiggen:

• Created infrastructure of current system.

John Goodge, UMD:

• What's In A Mineral? Extending Mineralogy by Electron Microprobe Analysis. Teaching Petrology in the 21st Century; ‘03 workshop.

• Impetus for getting system up and running.

• Promotion on Teaching Petrology Listserv.