Craig Markum, an undergraduate researcher working on the SHArK project, and Jennifer Schuttlefield presented the SHArK kit to middle school students in the 7th grade at Laramie Middle School on March 6, 2009. Students were taught how the SHArK project creates new metal oxide semiconductors that could split water into hydrogen and oxygen. They were shown how the Lego Scanning Station is used to scan the substrates looking for a signal larger than the standards, copper and iron, that are also included on the substrate. They were very excited by the idea that we could use Legos for real scientific research and by the laser pointer!

Craig also brought along a small hydrogen car that used the light in the room to produce hydrogen. It showed the students how this technology could be used in the long run. Overall, it was a very exciting afternoon with the students learning about the global energy problem and how they could be part of solving the problem!

Craig talking to the studentsHydrogen car demonstrationJennifer talking to the students about the SHArK project
Students learning about SHArK!Students loved the laser!