Balloon Nanotubes Tabletop

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This activity introduces learners to the structure and properties of carbon nanotubes. Visitors learn how the carbon atoms are arranged in a carbon nanotube, and that nanotubes are extremely strong and have interesting electrical properties. During the program, learners help build a tabletop model of a carbon nanotube---out of balloons! This activity guide includes instructions for building a smaller tabletop model as well as a giant hanging model.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
      • Nanotechnology
  • Mathematics
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
      • Size and Scale
  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Charges and Currents
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Bonding
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Atomic Structure
      • Elements and Periodic Table

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Model Building

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0532536
  • National Science Foundation, 0940143