MRI: Acquisition of a Variable Pressure SEM to Enable Research, Education, and Services at Carnegie Museum of Natural History

这个为期三年的项目为卡内基自然历史博物馆（CMNH）的研究科学家和公共教育工作者提供了一台扫描电子显微镜（SEM）。 该仪器提高了显微镜观察的质量和速度，扩大了CMNH可能的研究种类。该仪器允许非破坏性分析的微观特征的标本在博物馆？大量的收藏品。 科学目标包括：1）实施具有X射线能力的扫描电镜，用于研究标本; 2）使考古学、哺乳动物学、古脊椎动物学、昆虫学、矿物学和其他学科的人员研究计划成为可能; 3）扩大SEM的使用，以改善研究助理，访问研究人员，学生调查员的研究和科学服务，该项目通过在博物馆环境中进行研究密集型学习体验，为公众游客提供研究和教育方案。 它为参观者提供了使用扫描电镜观察真实的物体的动手机会。 这些难忘的经历促进了各级学生和公众利用博物馆藏品、展览、教室和活动对博物馆研究的理解和欣赏。 SEM将在CMNH已经成功的教育计划中使用，涉及学习的技术应用：特殊投影空间（地球剧院）;研究整合（生物技术实验室）;通过互联网（远程学习）在其他州的学生课程。

This three-year project provides a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for use by research scientists and public educators at Carnegie Museum of Natural History (CMNH). This instrument improves the quality and speed of microscopic observations, expanding the kinds of research possible at CMNH. The instrument permits non-destructive analysis of microscopic features of specimens in the museum?s vast collections. Scientific goals include: 1) implementing an SEM with x-ray capability for studying specimens; 2) enabling staff research programs in archaeology, mammalogy, vertebrate paleontology, entomology, mineralogy, and other disciplines; 3) expanding SEM use to improve research and scientific services by Research Associates, visiting researchers, student investigators, and specimen borrowers.This project integrates research and educational programming for public visitors through research-intensive learning experiences in a museum setting. It provides hands-on opportunities for visitors to use the SEM to observe real objects. These memorable experiences promote understanding and appreciation of museum-based research by students at all levels and the general public using museum collections, exhibits, classrooms, and events. The SEM will be used within educational programs already successful at CMNH, involving technological applications for learning: special projection spaces (Earth Theater); research integration (Biotechnology Laboratory); curricula for student classes in other states via Internet (Distance Learning).