Micron tour gives Pennington students inside view of computer chip world in Manassas

It’s hard to picture what a memory chip looks like unless you see it up close, and that’s what Pennington students did on an after-school field trip to Micron Technologies in Manassas.

They also learned that the memory chip is an essential component in computer and electronic devices that store memory. Memory chips can store data or process code, and, like their name implies, hold memory temporarily or permanently.

It was eye-opening for students when they learned they were in the place that produces most of the memory chips made in the United States.

Micron officials demonstrated how knowledge of engineering concepts, technology, science, and mathematics is involved in the production of memory chips. A highlight for students was the chance to compete in putting on the worker’s protective suit that is worn in the “Clean Room” which is reportedly cleaner than a hospital room.

“This was a wonderful and informative event that brought teachers, students, siblings and parents together to learn about the manufacturing process at Micron and how the company works to produce 95% of the memory chips made in the United States at this plant,” said Ann Bullock, seventh-grade math teacher and STEM club sponsor at Pennington.

The after-school field trip was set up by Bullock and Zuzana Steen, academic liaison at Micron and a Pennington parent.