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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.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $10 - $20 per group of students
- Ages 6 - adult
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
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)
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Nanotechnology
-
Engineering
-
Life Sciences
-
Human Senses and Perception
- Vision
-
Human Senses and Perception
-
Mathematics
-
Measurement
- Size and Scale
-
Measurement
-
Physical Sciences
- Vibration and Waves
-
Light and Optics
- Electromagnetic Spectrum
-
States of Matter
- Solids
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Formulating Explanations
-
The Scientific Process
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:
- Large dots
- Small Dots
- Invisible Sunblock - Lesson Plan
- Invisible Sunblock - Card
- A Little Bit of Sunshine
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- Creative Commons: Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa), Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network,
Funding Source:
- National Science Foundation, ESI-0532536