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Semiconductor Industry Introduction: This is a Module focused on an introduction to the Semiconductor Industry.
It will cover the careers in the Semiconductor Industry. It will introduce a high level view of how we use chip in our everyday life, how it makes our lives better, but also the risk of technology. You will learn how chips are made.
Modules deliverables will include: 6+ Lessons Introducing the Semiconductor Industry. About 6-12 hours of 30 min Lectures & 10+ hours of Lab & Assessment activities.
Google Docs: 📰 Slide Presentation / 🖼️ Lesson Tutorial / ✨ Resources
Canvas LMS Module: 🛠️ LAB Activities and 🚀 Formative & Summative Assessments
Prerequisites:
No explicit prerequisite course work, Electronics, Logic, or coding knowledge is required. Come as you are. 🧠
Topics:
Semiconductor Industry Introduction
Technology - Benefits & Risk
Careers in the Semiconductor Industry
High level description of how Silicon Chips are made
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WORK IN PROGRESS
WORK IN PROGRESS
- Unit 6: Chips & Salsa
- Module: Semiconductor Industry Introduction
- This is a LEARNING Activity : Lesson / Lab
- Last Revised: June 2, 2025 - Authored: June 4, 2024
- Original Source Material: Ignited - Semiconductor Resources for Educators
- Re-telling Author: Jim Burnham - TopClown@STEAMClown.org
- Content License: Distributed as Open Source. See Rights & Usage
Sid Bar for Teachers: This Module or lesson is how I teach in my class. Many of the lessons might be specific to my class, but you could probably adjust them for your class. I'll try to make them a neutral as I can, so they can be used in any Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or any other Engineering / Technology class. Let me know how I can make that better. I'll try to keep this unit current and relevant. Please let me know if any resource links are broken or not accessible. Use this email link to let me know what is broken @ TopClown@STEAMClown.org
I would like to thank ignited for their support of my classroom and curriculum development.
With new national education and workforce investments arriving this year, semiconductor industry leaders from across the U.S. are developing classroom materials and experiential learning opportunities for students. The Bay Area has a phase 1 project, funded by the California Apprenticeship Initiative and led by Foothill College, SEMI Foundation, Ignited, and the Krause Center for Innovation (KCI) to design K-12 classroom materials and an apprenticeship pathway into the industry.
The resources below present opportunities for K-12 teachers to seamlessly integrate these topics into their classrooms, preparing students for future possible careers in this exciting growing industry.
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If you would like to sponsor Curriculum Development, please contact TopClown@STEAMClown.org or check out my "How To Help Page"
Learning Objective:
Learning Objective:
Module Scope:
- Introduction to Silicon & Semiconductor Industry
- Light introduction to Chip & Silicon Manufacturing Processes
- Have a high level understanding on Semiconductor & Silicon Chip design process
Prior Knowledge:
- No explicit prerequisite course work, Electronics, Logic, or coding knowledge is required. Come as you are. 🧠
- PC, Laptop or Other device to access the Apps and sites.
- Each lesson will have specific items needed to complete the labs and tasks
Caution & Safety Considerations:
Caution & Safety Considerations:
Primer: "Aaron, I can imagine no way in which this thing could be considered anywhere remotely close to safe. All I know is I spent six hours in there and I'm still alive... You still want to do it?"
As with any activity, please make sure you are using appropriate safety equipment. If you are coding, writing, reading, or working a lab, make sure you stand up and stretch every hour or so, Please consider any safety issues connecting to a Raspberry Pi, Arduino, computers and other electronic equipment.
Essential Questions:
Essential Questions:
What Careers are in the Semiconductor Industry?
How does a Transistor work & how is it a building block of Logic Gates?
Can I explain how Silicon Chips are built?
Key Academic Vocabulary or Concepts:
Key Academic Vocabulary or Concepts:
Wafers
Semiconductors
Microchip
Supply chain
Silicon Mining
Ingot Processing
Wafer Manufacturing
Cleaning
Oxidation Process
Photolithography
Etching
Deposition
Interconnection
Testing
Packaging
Overview and Introduction:
Overview and Introduction:
Author: Jim Burnham - TopClown@STEAMClown.org. License: Distributed as Open Source.
Unit Modules & Lessons
Unit Modules & Lessons
Prerequisites:
Prerequisites:
No explicit prerequisite course work or coding knowledge is required, but students are expected to have a good understanding of basic computer principles.
What Do You Already Know? Take This Pre-Quiz To Find Out:
What Do You Already Know? Take This Pre-Quiz To Find Out:
Take the Pre-Quiz to get a better self assessment. Sometimes we feel like we already know a topic, and maybe we can just do a quick review. Other times we find we need to go a little deeper. By taking a quick self assessment, you can measure how much effort you need to put into this section.
Whole Number Pre-Quiz
If you scored 79% or less, you should probably spend a 20-30 min reviewing this section. Even if you scored 100%, it can't hurt to spend 10-15 min.
Learning About Semiconductor Technology - Lesson #1 - Semiconductor Introduction
Learning About Semiconductor Technology - Lesson #1 - Semiconductor Introduction
Lesson #1 - Semiconductor Introduction
Introduction to Semiconductor Processing - - Slide Review - 📰 Slides / 🔎 Review
Canvas Module & Assignment - Introduction to Semiconductor Processing - Contact TopColown@STEAMClown.org
Microchips Make Phones Work - 🎧 / 📽️▶️ Video/YouTube / 🗣️ Discuss & Explain
Teacher Lesson Plan - Ignite -Introduction to Semiconductors - 165 minutes
Students will learn the basics of semiconductor devices and the industry that makes them. We will identify how semiconductors are integral to daily life in the 21st century, and explore career possibilities in the industry.
Learning About Semiconductor Technology - Lesson #2 - Semiconductor Processing
Learning About Semiconductor Technology - Lesson #2 - Semiconductor Processing
Lesson #2 - Introduction To Semiconductor Processing
Introduction to Semiconductor Processing - - Slide Review - 📰 Slides / 🔎 Review
Canvas Module & Assignment - Introduction to Semiconductor Processing - Contact TopColown@STEAMClown.org
Microchips Make Phones Work - 🎧 / 📽️▶️ Video/YouTube / 🗣️ Discuss & Explain
Semiconductor Manufacturing Process Explained - 🎧 / 📽️▶️ Video/YouTube / 🗣️ Discuss & Explain
Teacher Lesson Plan - Ignite - Introduction to Semiconductor Processing - 195 minutes - Students will learn the lifecycle of a semiconductor, from a silicon ingot to a microchip that can be installed in a complex electronic device.
Learning About Semiconductor Technology - Lesson #3 - Cell Phone Tear Down (45 mins)
Learning About Semiconductor Technology - Lesson #3 - Cell Phone Tear Down (45 mins)
Lesson #3 - Cell Phone Tear Down (45 mins)
Cell Phone Tear Down (45 mins) - - Slide Review - 📰 Slides / 🔎 Review
Teachers, you will want a cell phone or tablet for student teams of 2. Collect these over the privous year, and have them ready with the small tool kits
Canvas Module & Assignment - Introduction to Semiconductor Processing - Contact TopColown@STEAMClown.org
< Link> - 🎧 / 📽️▶️ Video/YouTube / 🗣️ Discuss & Explain
< Link> - 🎧 / 📽️▶️ Video/YouTube / 🗣️ Discuss & Explain
Components of a Cell Phone - 175 minutes
Students will learn about elements on the periodic table, including ones instrumental to semiconductors, and how they are used to make electronic devices work.
Learning About Semiconductor Technology - Lesson #4 - SEMICONDUCTOR FRONT-END MANUFACTURING
Learning About Semiconductor Technology - Lesson #4 - SEMICONDUCTOR FRONT-END MANUFACTURING
Lesson #4 - SEMICONDUCTOR FRONT-END MANUFACTURING
SEMICONDUCTOR FRONT-END MANUFACTURING - - Slide Review - 📰 Slides / 🔎 Review
Semiconductor Front-end Manufacturing - 200 minutes
Students will learn about the manufacturing methods used to transform raw Silicon into positively- and negatively-charged components, along with the function of diodes and transistors in a computing system.Canvas Module & Assignment - Introduction to Semiconductor Processing - Contact TopColown@STEAMClown.org
< Link> - 🎧 / 📽️▶️ Video/YouTube / 🗣️ Discuss & Explain
< Link> - 🎧 / 📽️▶️ Video/YouTube / 🗣️ Discuss & Explain
Semiconductor Front-end Manufacturing - 200 minutes
Students will learn about the manufacturing methods used to transform raw Silicon into positively- and negatively-charged components, along with the function of diodes and transistors in a computing system.
Learning About Semiconductor Technology - Lesson #5 - What Are Semiconductors
Learning About Semiconductor Technology - Lesson #5 - What Are Semiconductors
Lesson #5 - What Are Semiconductors
What Are Semiconductors - - Slide Review - 📰 Slides / 🔎 Review
What are Semiconductors? - 90 minutes
Students will create copper sulfate crystals, then develop a model at the molecular level to apply their observations to other substances. In doing so, students will learn about how semiconductors are produced, and be exposed to other industrial and commercial uses for these materials.Canvas Module & Assignment - Introduction to Semiconductor Processing - Contact TopColown@STEAMClown.org
< Link> - 🎧 / 📽️▶️ Video/YouTube / 🗣️ Discuss & Explain
< Link> - 🎧 / 📽️▶️ Video/YouTube / 🗣️ Discuss & Explain
What are Semiconductors? - 90 minutes
Students will create copper sulfate crystals, then develop a model at the molecular level to apply their observations to other substances. In doing so, students will learn about how semiconductors are produced, and be exposed to other industrial and commercial uses for these materials.
Learning About Semiconductor Technology - Lesson #6 - Photolithography
Learning About Semiconductor Technology - Lesson #6 - Photolithography
Lesson #6 - Introduction To Photolithography
Introduction To Photolithography - - Slide Review - 📰 Slides / 🔎 Review
Photolithography - 200 minutes
Students will learn how computer chips get transformed from a brick of processed material into the items we associate with electronic devices, by addressing Photolithography, or the method of stenciling complex designs into silicon wafer.Canvas Module & Assignment - Introduction to Semiconductor Processing - Contact TopColown@STEAMClown.org
< Link> - 🎧 / 📽️▶️ Video/YouTube / 🗣️ Discuss & Explain
< Link> - 🎧 / 📽️▶️ Video/YouTube / 🗣️ Discuss & Explain
Photolithography - 200 minutes
Students will learn how computer chips get transformed from a brick of processed material into the items we associate with electronic devices, by addressing Photolithography, or the method of stenciling complex designs into silicon wafer.
Learning About Semiconductor Technology - Lesson #7 - Introduction To Cleanrooms
Learning About Semiconductor Technology - Lesson #7 - Introduction To Cleanrooms
Lesson #7 - Introduction To Cleanrooms
Introduction To Cleanrooms - - Slide Review - 📰 Slides / 🔎 Review
Introduction to Cleanrooms - 210 minutes
Students will participate in a cleanroom simulation in order to learn about microchip contaminants that can impact the semiconductor manufacturing process, and the personal protective equipment (PPE - or “bunny suits”) that prevent contamination.Canvas Module & Assignment - Introduction to Semiconductor Processing - Contact TopColown@STEAMClown.org
< Link> - 🎧 / 📽️▶️ Video/YouTube / 🗣️ Discuss & Explain
< Link> - 🎧 / 📽️▶️ Video/YouTube / 🗣️ Discuss & Explain
Introduction to Cleanrooms - 210 minutes
Students will participate in a cleanroom simulation in order to learn about microchip contaminants that can impact the semiconductor manufacturing process, and the personal protective equipment (PPE - or “bunny suits”) that prevent contamination.
Reference, Attribution & Resources:
Reference, Attribution & Resources:
Updated Ignited Lessons.
Introduction to Semiconductors - 165 minutes
Students will learn the basics of semiconductor devices and the industry that makes them. We will identify how semiconductors are integral to daily life in the 21st century, and explore career possibilities in the industry.
Introduction to Semiconductor Processing - 195 minutes
Students will learn the lifecycle of a semiconductor, from a silicon ingot to a microchip that can be installed in a complex electronic device.
What are Semiconductors? - 90 minutes
Students will create copper sulfate crystals, then develop a model at the molecular level to apply their observations to other substances. In doing so, students will learn about how semiconductors are produced, and be exposed to other industrial and commercial uses for these materials.
Introduction to Cleanrooms - 210 minutes
Students will participate in a cleanroom simulation in order to learn about microchip contaminants that can impact the semiconductor manufacturing process, and the personal protective equipment (PPE - or “bunny suits”) that prevent contamination.
Semiconductor Front-end Manufacturing - 200 minutes
Students will learn about the manufacturing methods used to transform raw Silicon into positively- and negatively-charged components, along with the function of diodes and transistors in a computing system.
Photolithography - 200 minutes
Students will learn how computer chips get transformed from a brick of processed material into the items we associate with electronic devices, by addressing Photolithography, or the method of stenciling complex designs into silicon wafer.
Running and Interpreting Tests & Troubleshooting - 200 minutes
By engaging in a real engineering design challenge, students will be able to experience a high-stakes competition to solve their challenge through troubleshooting.
Components of a Cell Phone - 175 minutes
Students will learn about elements on the periodic table, including ones instrumental to semiconductors, and how they are used to make electronic devices work.
Robots vs Cancer - 90 minutes
Students will conduct research on current nanotechnologies utilized in cancer treatment and then will create a simulated nanotechnology to bind--and cure--cancer cells.
Think Fast - Comparing Human Reactions - 90 minutes
Students will compare the information processing capabilities of a human brain and a computer in order to explore why computers seem to have faster reaction times.
Automating our Lives - 90 minutes
Students will use systems design to propose ideas for using semiconductor automation systems to improve their communities.
License - "Be A Hero"... Distribute Your Content As Open Source... That Is What I'm Doing...
License - "Be A Hero"... Distribute Your Content As Open Source... That Is What I'm Doing...
The content on this site may have been pulled from other open source sites, but typically the interpretation and presentation is primarily the Intellectual Property of Jim Burnham, - TopClown@STEAMClown.org at www.steamclown.org and the Student curriculum can be found under the specific Mechatronics Engineering Units section of this web site.
If you do use my material, and make changes, I would appreciate getting a copy... because if you are making changes, it means that you think there is a better way to teach this… and I would really appreciate understanding that. Please send me feedback on my Questions or Feedback form. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions or comment.
You also should keep and include my STEAM Clown Logo and Copyright in any derivative works you create. I would appreciate if you would include one of these images found on my Steam Clown License page and link it to www.steamclown.org
If you do use my material, and make changes, I would appreciate getting a copy... because if you are making changes, it means that you think there is a better way to teach this… and I would really appreciate understanding that. Please send me feedback on my Questions or Feedback form. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions or comment.
You also should keep and include my STEAM Clown Logo and Copyright in any derivative works you create. I would appreciate if you would include one of these images found on my Steam Clown License page and link it to www.steamclown.org
Teachers - Unit, Module and Lesson Plans
Teachers - Unit, Module and Lesson Plans
If you are a teacher and want to connect and teach this Lesson or Module, discuss how I teach it, give me feedback, please contact me at TopClown@STEAMClown.org
To access this Lesson Plan and the Teacher collaboration area, you will have needed to connect with me so I can Share the content with you. Please go to the Teachers & Partner Page, check out my Licensing and fill out my Collaboration and Curriculum Request Form. I'll review and then grant you access to the requested areas and lesson plans if they exist.
If you have questions or feedback on how I can make a presentation, lesson, lab better please give use my Feedback Form.
Standards Alignments & Objectives:
Standards Alignments & Objectives:
I’ll work on getting these in, but it’s the last thing I want to work on :-) When I have them updated, I’ll move to the top of the Lesson Plan.
NGSS: <list standard numbers>
California CTE Standards: <list standard numbers>
Related Instructional Objectives (SWBAT): <list standard numbers>
CCSS: nnn, RSIT: nnn, RLST: nnn, WS: nnn, WHSST: nnn, A-CED: nnn, ETS: nnn <list standard numbers>
Main Standard:
Priority standards:
National Standards:
Resource Attribution:
Sites Referenced or Summarized:
Resource Attribution:
Sites Referenced or Summarized:
Reference Text Book -
Reference Sites -
Images:
Images:
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