Biomimicry: Synthetic Gecko Tape Through Nanomolding

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In this activity/demo, learners examine a synthetic gecko tape with micron sized hairs that mimics the behavior of the gecko foot. The process is called "nanomolding." Also described in this guide is an easy setup for testing how much weight the gecko tape can hold using LEGOS®. Note: it takes 45 minutes to make the gecko tape, which should be prepared 24 hours in advance.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 6 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Mechanical Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
      • Nanotechnology
    • Technology
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
  • Mathematics
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
      • Size and Scale
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Bonding
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Impacts of Technology
      • Technology and the Environment
    • The Design Process
      • Invention and Innovation

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see

Learning styles supported:

  • Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
  • 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