Model for Mass Spectrometer

How many of high school or college students have seen the insides of a working mass spectrometer? How many know how and why it works? What is it used for? Is the print-out the only important feature of the instrument or should our students understand how the information was obtained? A model of a mass spectrometer can be used to encourage this understanding. The S17 Science Model Mass Spectrometer is designed to answer an number of questions, and to teach a number of very interesting concepts. The instruction sheets that accompany this kit outline, in great detail, some of the best ways of using this kit to:

• Practice the Scientific Method
• Introduce a model building exercise
• Display a number of discrepant events
• Use models and analogies to show the effect of a magnetic field on atoms of different masses
• Put the structure of the Mass Spectrometer into an easily visualized and internalized format

The instruction sheets include information and diagrams to help you set up the apparatus. A set of sample questions, comments and answers that have been elicited and used in various classrooms is also included. Students in Kindergarten through College have marveled at the use of this kit in demonstrations. The kit has already been purchased by high schools and universities throughout the world for demonstrating the mass spectrometer to students of all academic backgrounds. You will want one of these in your school. It is available in two different kits, EQ 129 and EQ 131. The instructions sheets are the same in both kits.