Invisible Sunblock

NISE Network

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This is a hands-on activity exploring how nanoscale particles are used in mineral sunblocks to increase their transparency. Learners compare nano and non-nano sunblocks to a visual representation of the effect of particle size on visibility.

Preparation Time:: 5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:: 10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:: $10 - $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)

Strips of black construction paper (7 x 15 cm)
Zinc oxide ointment (non-nano sunblock)
Sunblock with zinc oxide (nano-sunblock, make sure the product is labeled as "goes on clear")
Paper towels
Picture with large white dots/black background
Picture with small white dots/black background
List of common mineral sunblocks/sunscreens (PDF)

Keywords

Subjects

Engineering and Technology
- Engineering
  - Nanotechnology
Life Sciences
- Human Senses and Perception
  - Vision
Mathematics
- Measurement
  - Size and Scale
Physical Sciences
- Vibration and Waves
- Light and Optics
  - Electromagnetic Spectrum
- States of Matter
  - Solids
The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
  - Formulating Explanations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

see
see color
read
hear

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:

Programs and Activities

Access Rights:

Free access

By:

Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network; The Franklin Institute

Rights:

Creative Commons: Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa), Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network,

Funding Source:

National Science Foundation, ESI-0532536