Using NewsHour Extra Worksheets

Overview: NewsHour Extra worksheets can help students follow along and identify key points in NewsHour science broadcast pieces.

Warm Up: Introduce the topic of the broadcast piece and find out how much your students know.

Main Activity: Hand out the worksheet and have students answer the questions as they watch the NewsHour segment.

Need a DVD of the science segment?: Write to science@newshour.org.

Story: Intel Works on Faster, More Powerful Computer Chip, 5/7/07
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/science/jan-june07/chips_05-07.html

Worksheet Questions: (click here for printout)

1. What material is now used to make both a computer chip base and its transistors, and what material is Intel using in its new chips?

Silicon is used now; the new chips will be made with hafnium.

2. When was the first transistor built, and how big was it? How big will the new transistors be?

1947, and it could fit in your hand. Two thousands of the new transistors could fit in the width of a human hair.

3. What is one possible use for the new Intel chips, according to Intel scientists?

They could give computers enough power to run programs that recognize facial expressions, perhaps for use in airport security.

4. According to an AMD scientist, how are AMD chips already being used?

Scientists used AMD chips to help create a model of an Alzheimer's protein. They also are used by Lucas Film to create graphics in movies such as "Pirates of the Caribbean."

5. How do the molecules invented by Frasier Stoddart act as transistors?

A ring of atoms on the molecule moves back and forth when electricity is applied, just like a switch.

For more NewsHour Science Reports, go to www.pbs.org/newshour/science.

For more science lesson plans and worksheets, go to www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/teachers/science.