Exploring at the Nanoscale

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
This lesson focuses on how nanotechnology has impacted our society and how engineers have learned to explore the world at the nanoscale. Learners participate in hands-on activities to understand exactly how small the nanoscale is, explore how surface area changes at the nano scale, and work in teams to develop futuristic applications of nanotechnology. Specifically, teams of learners examine and measure blocks of tofu or gelatin to determine the surface area. Then they slice the blocks into smaller and smaller pieces, exposing more surfaces, and impacting the surface area. Learners also explore the size of small by comparing various items to understand the size of nano.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Resource Sheets
  • Worksheets
  • Block of extra firm tofu or gelatin
  • Cutting surface (plastic plate or cutting board)
  • Dull knife
  • Ruler or measuring tape

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
      • Nanotechnology
    • Technology
      • Medical Technology
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Equations and Inequalities
    • Geometry
      • Solid Geometry
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
      • Size and Scale
  • Physical Sciences
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Impacts of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Invention and Innovation

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, IEEE,