The official ChipWorks Series is a certificate program made up of three introductory courses in microelectronics for secondary students. Designed to spark interest and build foundational knowledge, the series prepares students to explore the field further in both academic and career pathways.
Below are the overviews of lessons for middle and high school:
| Course Title | Grade Level Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Chip, Chip, Hooray! | 8th-10th grade |
| ECE 180 *concurrent credit | 11th-12th grade |
| MSE 101 *concurrent credit | 11th-12th grade |
Each course is tailored to align with grade-level expectations, Idaho and national science standards, and the needs of both higher education and industry. Developed in collaboration with industry professionals, Boise State faculty, and Idaho educators, the content ensures students are prepared for future academic and workforce opportunities.
If you’re interested in teaching these materials in your classroom, complete with ready-to-use PowerPoints, worksheets, and lesson instructions, please click the link at the bottom of the page to verify that you are an educator. Once verified, you’ll receive access to all resources.
Please Note
Students will not receive official course credit through these materials. To earn credit, they must enroll in the courses through the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA).
Chip, Chip Hooray!
Course Description:
The “Chip, Chip, Hooray!” semester-long course immerses students in semiconductor science, exploring what semiconductors are, their local and global impact, and how to build circuits. Through hands-on challenges and gamified learning, students will discover career opportunities, cutting-edge innovations, and pathways to success in this dynamic field. Educators can access PowerPoints, assignments, rubrics, and guides by submitting a request form. This flexible content can supplement existing coursework or span a full semester, aligning with NGSS, ISTE, ABET, and Idaho Science and CTE Pre-Engineering standards.
Duration: Semester-long course
Acknowledgements and Materials
Acknowledgments
This course has been adapted from the semester-long course Chip, Chip, Hooray! Created in collaboration with the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance. Unit 3 of this course utilizes the SparkFun Tinker Kit-18577, and is built around the code, diagrams, and vocabulary from the Tinker Kit Circuit Guide, unit 3 is optional and not a requirement for teaching the course.
Contact haileylynch@boisestate.edu with questions.
Materials:
- PPTs (provided)
- Assignments (provided)
- Rubrics (provided)
- Educator Instructional Guides (provided)
- Course Catalog (provided)
- SparkFun Tinker Kit-18577 (1 per student, or 1 per 2 students) Optional
- USB cable (1 per laptop) Optional
- Laptops (1 per 4-6 students) Optional
Preview the Standards:
- Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and ISTE Standards course map.
- NGSS for High School Engineering Design and ABET Standards course map.
- Idaho Science and CTE Pre-Engineering Standards course map.
Supporting Resources
To receive the supporting resources for this lesson at no cost, please submit the following Google Form. The resources include the educator guide, PowerPoint presentation, and lab packets.
Want a sneak peek at what is covered in the course?
Click here: Course Catalog Digital Textbook.
ECE 180: Introduction to Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering
Available to high school students across Idaho through IDLA, this course offers them a chance to explore the fundamentals of engineering. It serves as a launchpad into the fast-paced worlds of electrical engineering, computer systems engineering, and computer science. Students will learn the core principles, cutting-edge technologies, and real-world applications that are central to engineering fields.
*Dual Credit Course
Acknowledgements and Materials
Acknowledgements
This course was created by a team of members from MERC, Boise State Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty, and Idaho Digital Learning Alliance curriculum directors in order to ensure alignment with university curricula.
Materials
The course layout and accompanying information can be found in the digital textbook. Click the link below to access all content that is learned across the semester-long course.
Preview the Standards:
- Idaho Content Standards course map.
- NGSS for High School Engineering Design and ABET Standards course map.
- NGSS and ISTE Standards course map.
MSE 101: Materials Science and Engineering Semicondcutors 3
Available to high school students across Idaho through IDLA, this course introduces students to the science, engineering, and societal impact of the materials that shape our world. Through everyday products, students will explore how and why specific materials are selected and processed, uncovering the fundamental structures that enable us to engineer material properties.
*Dual Credit Course
Acknowledgements and Materials
Acknowledgements
This course was created by a team of members from MERC, Boise State Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering Faculty, and Idaho Digital Learning Alliance curriculum directors in order to ensure alignment with university curricula.
Materials
The course layout and accompanying information can be found in the digital textbook. Click the link below to access all content that is learned across the semester-long course.
Preview the Standards:
- Idaho Content Standards course map.
- NGSS for High School Engineering Design and ABET Standards course map.
- NGSS and ISTE Standards course map.
Additional Resources for Educators
Below are more supplemental materials developed by our team for classroom use! Read more about the content below, and if you’re interested in accessing the ready-made materials, please submit the form provided.
Spark of Semiconductors
Lesson Description:
In this lesson, students will explore semiconductors, their fabrication, and applications in industries from healthcare to agriculture. Through hands-on activities, they will learn basic circuitry and work with components such as Arduinos, LEDs, and resistors. Students will also discover career paths in semiconductors and electronics, gaining insight into how these technologies shape daily life and drive future innovations.
Duration: 1-2 hours long1.
Acknowledgement and Materials
Acknowledgement:
This lesson utilizes the SparkFun Tinker Kit-18577, and is built around the code, diagrams, and vocabulary from the Tinker Kit Circuit Guide.
It has been adapted from the semester-long course Chip, Chip, Hooray! Created in collaboration with the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance.
Materials:
- SparkFun Tinker Kit-18577 (1 per student, or 1 per 2 students)
- USB cable (1 per laptop)
- Laptops (1 per 4-6 students)
- Powerpoint Presentation (provided)
- Middle School Version
- High School Version
- Lab Packets (provided)
- Middle School Version
- High School Version
Supporting Resources
To receive the supporting resources for this lesson at no cost, please submit the following Google Form. The resources include the educator guide, PowerPoint presentation, and lab packets.
Link to Materials Request Form