November 9, 2004 > Gomes Students visit Incredible Intel

by Arathi Satish

John Gomes Elementary School students began visiting the Intel Museum for their study trip during the month of November. Thousands of students from grades 2-12 visit the Intel Museum each year. Group visits - usually two hours - includes a guided tour and interactive lab led by a museum instructor.

The museum introduces the children to the fascinating world of the microchip industry. Binary code, conductivity, microprocessor history and design are discussed while interactive exhibits and hands-on labs help students explore concepts, conduct experiments and learn about the latest technology.

Second graders from John Gomes Elementary School recently visited the Intel Museum and gained an understanding of how computer information is stored. They used beads to represent a switch's "on" and "off" states and a binary notation to pattern their initials in beaded key chains. Second grade teacher Rosemary Cortez, who planned the trip to Intel said, "Visiting Intel was productive as well as rewarding". She added, "Several students were randomly selected to model the Clean Room, "Bunny Suit. They were transformed into white aliens and many of us found their appearance amusing."

Third graders learn to solve through the usage of scientific method and ohm meters, a scientific mystery that requires them to examine "clues" and measure electric resistance to determine "Who Done It." Fourth and fifth grade students learn about Schematics, Circuitry and Switches. Working with wires, batteries and bulbs and switches, students gain an understanding of electrical circuits. Students decode basic schematics to build simple circuits, parallel circuits and much more. Students in the sixth through twelfth grades focus on problem solving and writing instruction sets as they decide how to put together a toy puzzle ball.

The museum offers large group programs, self -guided tours and activity books. They also have intern programs for high school and college students. For more information or to schedule a visit, call 408-765-0503 or send an e-mail to museum@intel.com. Additional information is available at www.intel.com/go/museum