Program Overview

Introduction to the Microelectronics Education and Research Center

The Microelectronics Education and Research Center (MERC) at Boise State University is dedicated to providing high-quality education and research opportunities in the field of microelectronics.

Program Overview

The center has launched a groundbreaking professional development training program called "Chip, Chip, Hooray! for Educators". This program is designed to equip middle and high school educators with the knowledge and confidence to teach semiconductor-related courses.

Program Details

• The program is a collaboration between Boise State University, Micron Technology, and the Idaho Workforce Development Council.
• The training is based on the "Chip, Chip, Hooray!" curriculum, which is designed for 8th to 10th graders and aligns closely with industry expectations.
• Over 300 professionals contributed to the development of the curriculum, ensuring that it meets national and Idaho science standards and prepares students for real-world opportunities in semiconductor fields.
• The program provides hands-on training, resources, and insights for educators to bring back to their classrooms.

Program Structure

• The program consists of a four-day training session, where educators can explore the curriculum and gain hands-on experience.
• Participants visit Micron Technology and tour Boise State's Idaho Microfabrication Lab (IML) to deepen their understanding of the course content.
• Educators develop classroom-ready materials and receive a full class-set of kits, including microcontrollers and simple circuitry components, to bring interactive learning to their students.
• Upon completion of the program, educators can earn professional development credits.

Goals and Impact

• The ultimate goal of the program is to build a national ecosystem that supports and sustains semiconductor learning from an early age.
• The collaboration between Boise State's MERC and Micron serves as a powerful model for what's possible and what's needed across the country.
• By providing teachers with hands-on experience and real-world tools, the program aims to inspire and train the next generation of semiconductor professionals.

Quotes from Participants

• "There is so much going on in our electronics I didn't realize was possible."
• "Chip, Chip, Hooray! for Educators highlighted the multiple applications of the semiconductor industry to education. It was eye-opening and so useful to me in my role!"
• "No one else in the country is doing this type of cross-disciplinary effort to expose educators at all levels to the semiconductor industry."
• "There is nothing more important than getting our own homegrown students invested in their own future."