Work in progress — Integrating semiconductor and nanotechnology fundamentals into a high school science curriculum module

The Microelectronic Engineering Faculty at Rochester Institute of Technology have been engaged in two day K-12 Teacher forums addressing the engineering and fabrication of semiconductor devices for 12 years. A common theme that has emerged is the difficulty teachers have introducing new topics, such as those presented at the above-mentioned forums, to their students. It has become apparent to the Microelectronic Engineering faculty that a pre-developed curriculum requiring only teacher training would have the best chance of making a major impact. This paper reports on work in progress on a five week module designed to introduce semiconductor and nanotechnology fundamentals to AP physics students during the time after their AP exam in May and graduation in June. A major benefit of such a program would be introducing STEM students to exciting career opportunities.