Project: Semiconductor Chips Memory is a basic building block of computers. As our desire for more speed, better graphics, and more functionality increases, so does the need for better, faster memory chips. But memory chips, like all computer chips, are somewhat mysterious black boxes. We may understand what they do for us and what role they play in computing technology, but we probably do not know what a memory chip is made of or how those materials combine to make it work.

Research the construction of semiconductor chips by reading about integrated circuits and semiconductors and learning about different chip manufacturers like Micron or Rambus. You might even choose to call a chip manufacturing company to interview an engineer to discuss how chips are made and with what materials.

As you are reviewing this information, pay attention to the physical differences between chips that house different types of memory (RAM, DRAM, SRAM). Make a spreadsheet that highlights at least three of the important differences between these types of memory.

Next, create a chart you can use to explain these differences to someone who is not as familiar with computer technology as you are. Be creative and show off your newfound expertise—make it colorful, use interesting icons to illustrate the data, or make it an interactive online chart.

Here are some possible criteria to use in your evaluation:

Number of capacitors
Number of transistors
Number of pins
Package type
Material
You should be able to identify at least one other criterion based on your research and interview.

Submission Requirements
Write up definitions of at least three terms that are new to you in this exercise.
Write up brief notes (at least 300 words) explaining your research process and where you found the information (Web site URLs, names of individuals you speak to, books, etc.).
Use standard English and write full sentences. Do not use texting abbreviations or other shortcuts.
Use simple language to explain complicated details.
Make your visual presentation aesthetically pleasing.
Make your visual presentation easy to read and understand. (One way to do this is to pretend you are going to show this to one of your grandparents, who knows nothing about computers or semiconductors.)
Question # 1
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Write up definitions of at least three terms that are new to you in this exercise.
Write up brief notes (at least 300 words) explaining your research process and where you found the information (Web site URLs, names of individuals you speak to, books, etc.).
Use standard English and write full sentences. Do not use texting abbreviations or other shortcuts.
Use simple language to explain complicated details.
Make your visual presentation aesthetically pleasing.
Make your visual presentation easy to read and understand. (One way to do this is to pretend you are going to show this to one of your grandparents, who knows nothing about computers or semiconductors.)