ChemConnections: Computer Chip Thermochemistry: How Can We Create an Integrated Circuit from Sand?

by Susan E. Kegley, Jennifer G. Loeser, Marco Molinaro

The fabrication of integrated circuits on silicon-based semiconductors is used to introduce students to the rapidly growing industry of semiconductor processing. Enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy are introduced sequentially as the various fabrication steps are considered. ChemConnections modules provide inquiry-based classroom, laboratory, and media activities. These modules help students develop the knowledge to answer real-world questions through student-centered, collaborative classroom activities. While learning the underlying chemistry, students gain critical thinking skills, model how chemistry is actually done, and discover connections between chemistry and other sciences, technology, and society.

These topical modules were developed and tested by the ChemLinks Coalition and the Modular Chemistry Consortium as part of the National Science Foundation’s Systematic Change Initiative in Chemistry. The teaching approach that these modules reflect represents a significant pedagogical improvement over methods that rely on traditional lectures and verification laboratories.

ChemConnections modules cover a broad range of chemical topics and supply research-based, classroom-tested, active learning strategies that guide students through the scientific process.

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 17, 2004