Safe Chips Inc.
Students are investigating the microchip shortage and doing a project to convince the U.S. government to invest more into producing microchips in the United States. This unit has two options and can be taught as either Engineering Technology or Business.
Engineering Unit
This unit introduces students to the history of microelectronics and shows how chips are used in everyday devices and systems. Students learn about the global chip supply chain and the problems that can occur, such as those revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting chip shortage. They examine why the United States depends on foreign chip manufacturing and explore ways to increase domestic production. In the final lessons, students design an electric lock using a micro:bit to protect physical files that must remain classified.
Core Content: Engineering Technology
Grade Levels: High School
ME Connection - Engineering: Students learn about the manufacturing process of microchips from chip development to the packaged microchip. Students then use a micro:bit to detect and process input and output signals.
Engineering Design Project- Engineering: Students design an electronic lock using a micro:bit and compare it to an analog lock to protect physical files
Business Unit
This unit introduces students to how semiconductor chips are designed, manufactured, and used in modern technology. Students explore challenges related to safe, secure, and responsible chip production. By the end, students develop proposals for how the United States can boost microchip production and remain competitive in the industry.
Core Content: Business
Grade Levels: High School
ME Connection - Business: Students learn about the global supply chain and manufacturing process from chip development from raw materials to the packaged microchip. Students then use a micro:bit to explore microchip technology and its importance.
Engineering Design Process- Business: Students code a micro:bit to function as a pedometer and explore the versatility of microelectronics. They then develop a proposal for why and how microchip manufacturing should be brought back to the United States to increase microchip production and remain competitive in the industry.