Fizzy Nano Challenge

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This lesson focuses on how materials behave differently as their surface area increases. Learners investigate nanotechnology and how engineers can harness the differences in how materials behave when small to solutions for challenges in many industries. Learners work in teams to explore examples of how surface area impacts functionality. They hypothesize how surface area will impact the performance of antacid tablets, conduct an experiment using whole and crushed tablets to see how they behave when introduced to water, observe what they see, extrapolate to other examples, compare their hypotheses and the results with those of other teams, reflect on the experience, and share observations with the group.

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
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Resource Sheets
  • Worksheets
  • Clear cups (can be plastic or test tubes/beakers)
  • Antacid tablets (handled by Educator only for younger learners)
  • Water
  • Envelopes (for crushing tablets)
  • Paper
  • Pencils
  • Access to internet (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • 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
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Reactions
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Atomic Structure
  • 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

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,