Exploring Materials: Graphene

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In this activity, learners investigate the properties of graphene and graphite. Learners use tape and graphite to make graphene and learn that graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb pattern. Learners test whether graphite is conductive by using graphite to complete a circuit and light up a light bulb. Notes: the graphite flakes are expensive, but should last a long time. Alternatively, you could try to peel a graphene layer from the pencil, instead of buying the graphite flakes. A pencil should still work, though the quality of the graphene layer will likely be lower.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per group of students)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
      • Nanotechnology
  • Physical Sciences
    • Electricity and Magnetism
      • Electric Charges and Currents
      • Electric Circuits
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Bonding
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Atomic Structure

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

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