Magnetic force microscopes are a type of microscope that allow us 
to see the magnetic fields within a sample that we are studying. One application this microscope can be used for is diagnosing iron deficiencies, like anemia. These deficiencies are easy to treat if the person knows they have one. We can take a sample of a person’s blood and look for iron. The problem with using other types of microscopes is that there is other material in blood that looks like iron. This material though, is not magnetic. So, using a magnetic force microscope can help us distinguish this material from iron and get an accurate idea of how much iron is really in the person’s blood and apply treatment accordingly. It makes use of a small magnetic probe. The magnetic forces in the probe interact with those in the iron and create a picture of it. In this design challenge, you will have your students design a “probe” to help them act like magnetic force microscopes.
The student handout will be given to all students working on the design challenge. It gives a brief recap of the story, it helps the students identify what they are attempting to achieve, and it recaps the design process.
Magnetic Force Microscopes TEK8 Instructor’s Guide
This Instructor’s Guide provides the instructor additional information on how to run the design challenge with alternatives for materials and test setups as well as information to help make the design challenge a good educational experience.
The Telling the Story Video conveys the societal impact of the student’s research that is the basis for the design challenge and will set the problem-solving context for students.
The Design Challenge Video leads students through the design process. It indicates materials available, states what the criteria are for success and any constraints. It also gives a second ‘level’ of the design challenge that allows ‘early completers’ to move on to a slightly more difficult challenge.