The Dream Up Semiconductor Camp with Tokyo Electron Korea

Under the vision of "a company with dreams and vitality that contributes to technological innovation in semiconductors", Tokyo Electron (TEL), as a leading semiconductor equipment manufacturer, is conducting social contribution activities globally under the brand name "TEL FOR GOOD™" with the aim of deepening trust with stakeholders and contributing to solving social issues as well as developing local communities, in addition to its business activities. In this article, we will deliver an event report on the TEL FOR GOOD activities conducted by Tokyo Electron Korea (TEL Korea).

"Dream Up Semiconductor Camp" - Learning About Semiconductors through Fun Experiences

TEL Korea held the 4th “Dream Up Semiconductor Camp” at Dankook University’s Jukjeon Campus in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do. The Dream Up Semiconductor Camp is a semiconductor experience education program for elementary school students conducted by TEL Korea. The program provided a wide range of learning experiences from basic semiconductor concepts to process training. 40 elementary school 5th and 6th graders participated.

TEL Korea employees participated as lecturers and taught the classes. The lecturers, who were selected through an internal recruitment process, used their knowledge and experience to explain semiconductors in a way that was easy for elementary school students to understand. They prepared materials that would be fun to study.

Stimulating Interest in Science with TEL’s Original Content, YouTuber, Block Model etc.

The training began with an explanation on the history, basic concepts, and operating principles of semiconductors, and the basic theory of how semiconductor chips are made. The students listened intently to the explanations of the instructors and actively participated as if they did not want to miss a single moment of the lecture.

Next, the students moved to the Learning Factory and practiced the semiconductor manufacturing process. They experienced the same process as actual engineers, such as wearing clean suits, dust-proof shoes, and masks and passing through air showers to remove impurities. Then, they directly observed actual semiconductor processes such as photolithography, cleaning, and etching. They also used a microscope to check the microscopic patterns of semiconductors created in the process and experienced the manufacturing process in a clean room environment, feeling the true value of field-based education.

Time for Practical Training: "Putting on the Clean Suit is Fun!"

After completing the experience, the students attended a class introducing the elements and periodic table as well as semiconductors hosted by science communicator and YouTuber “EXO Teacher" (Lee Sunho), who is very popular in Korea. Using “The AR periodic Table of Elements” as a material produced by TEL, the students studied the periodic table using an AR app and solved quizzes to develop their scientific thinking skills. The students then had time to assemble a block model of Tokyo Electron's etching equipment, 'Tactras™'. By explaining semiconductor manufacturing equipment to elementary school students at their level, the students were able to pique their curiosity and learn about the structure and functions of the equipment.

Comments from participating students
“Through the entire program, including wearing clean suit, directly touching and cleaning wafers, and assembling Tactras, semiconductors felt more familiar. I was able to better understand the previously difficult content by touching and making things myself.”

Comments from a TEL Korea employee
“Thanks to the students’ active participation, we were able to conduct intensive training, including a one-day process experience. We hope that this camp will be a starting point for the students to grow into future semiconductor talents.”

This camp was operated as part of TEL Korea's social contribution activity “TEL FOR GOOD” to realize the goals of "technology and innovation” and “creating shared value with the local community”. TEL Korea will continue CSR activities for youth science education and expansion of semiconductor base in the future.