Small Is Big Investigating Nanotechnology and Its Applications TEACHER NOTES
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Small is Big Investigating Nanotechnology and its Applications TEACHER NOTES Lesson Overview Nanotechnology is the science of studying and creating materials, devices, and systems using very small particles that measure from 1 to 100 nanometers. This investigation introduces students to the nanoscale. They work in cooperative groups to understand key ideas related to nanotechnology and identify examples of its use. Inquiry – Students investigate key concepts and structures used in nanotechnology. They discover that matter at the nanoscale has different properties and behavior than the same matter at a larger scale. They learn that advances in technology spur innovation in product use and development. NOS – Understand how nanotechnology is being applied to create new materials (science is a blend of logic and imagination). STEM – Students conduct internet-based research using wireless technology to learn about nanotechnology; they determine how engineers apply nanoscale particles and systems to improve methods and develop new products. Suggested Time 3 45-minute periods Boil water just before class Set up document camera Class Materials for teacher demonstration. 20 cm nitinol wire 20 cm copper or other metal wire Print and Electronic Resources 4 250 mL beakers • National Nanotechnology Initiative laptop computers with internet access http://www.nano.gov/ hot plate • Nanooze Magazine Bunsen burner or candle http://www.nanooze.org/main/Nano test tube clamp oze/English.html pot holder • How Stuff Works http://science.howstuffworks.com/n Preparation anotechnology.htm# Reserve a computer cart for • Nanotechnology: Big Things from a classroom use. Tiny World, National Identify and bookmark websites for Nanotechnology Initiative, July 7, student research. 2008. Shape nitinol (memory wire) for teacher demonstration. Bend the wire into a shape, such as a letter. Holding it with a pair of test tube clamps, heat the wire over a candle or Bunsen burner. Let the wire cool on a pot holder. Straighten out the wire. © Fairfax County School Board page 1 This document may be reproduced for classroom use only and may not be used or reproduced for any other purpose. Small is Big Investigating Nanotechnology and its Applications TEACHER NOTES Key Terms (such as the development of the nanoscale scanning tunneling microscope and nanotechnology atomic force microscope) have given scientists the tools to understand how nanostructures work and, more Essential Understandings importantly, why they work. Conceptual Understanding ► All matter has physical and Researchers have found that particles chemical properties. in the range of 1 to 100 nanometers ► The ability to manipulate the have significantly different properties placement of individual atoms in from particles of the same substance in tiny structures allows for the the visible range. Properties such as design of new type of materials melting point, fluorescence, electrical with desired properties. conductivity, magnetic permeability ► Matter at the nanoscale has (the ability of a material to support the unusual properties and functions formation of a magnetic field within because of its small size and large itself), and chemical reactivity have surface area. been shown to change with the size of Procedural Knowledge the particle. Gold particles, for ► A nanometer (nm) is one billionth instance, are usually gold on the visible of a meter. 1nm = 0.000000001 m -9 scale, but appear red or purple at the (or 1.0 x 10 m). It takes about 3 - nanoscale. 10 atoms to span the length of a nanometer. The difference in the properties of ► Nanotechnology is the study and matter at the nanoscale has been creation of functional materials, attributed to their larger surface-to- devices, and systems using matter volume ratios. As the surface area of that measures from 1 to 100 matter increases, more of the nanometers. substance contacts surrounding ► Nanotechnology has produced new materials; this impacts reactivity. The knowledge and innovations that ability to manipulate the structure of a were not previously possible. substance at the nanoscale allows scientists to tailor-make materials with Teacher Information specific properties that can make them Why is there so much interest in stronger, lighter, more durable, or nanotechnology? There is nothing better conductors of electricity. Over especially new about it. Medieval 800 consumer nanoproducts are artists used nanoscale gold salts to currently available in the industries of produce vibrant colors for their stained sports equipment, textiles, cosmetics, glass window designs and nature food storage, automotive products, routinely manipulates nanoparticles to electronics, information technology, air make proteins. The big difference is and water filtration, and medical that modern advances in microscopy treatment and diagnostics. © Fairfax County School Board page 2 This document may be reproduced for classroom use only and may not be used or reproduced for any other purpose. Small is Big Investigating Nanotechnology and its Applications TEACHER NOTES New processes and technologies carry 2. Pass the nitinol wire around the both benefits and risks. Temperature, room and allow students to salinity, habitat, or other biological describe its properties. Record factors may transform nanomaterials their responses on the chart in the released into the environment and physical properties column. Repeat change atmospheric, soil, or water this same process with the other chemistry producing unintended wire. consequences that impact human health and the environment. As a 3. ENGAGE - Select a student result, the United States has created volunteer to bend the nitinol wire the National Nanotechnology Initiative into any shape. Select a second (NNI) that coordinates the volunteer to bend the other wire nanotechnology-related activities of 25 into any shape. Display the shapes federal agencies in the areas of of the two wires for all students to science, engineering, technology, and observe. regulatory affairs. This coordinated research provides data needed to 4. Put both wires into a beaker and assess the risks to public health and pour cold water over them; have the environment while pursuing the the class observe the results. A beneficial use of nanotechnology. document camera or other method of projection may be used so that Teaching Suggestions all students clearly see the effect of Pre-Assessment the water on the metals (i.e., none). Each student will name the biggest and smallest things with which they are 5. Next, pour the cold water off and familiar and list five other things that then pour boiling water over the fall between them, in size order. Each wires in the beaker. Make sure that student will also demonstrate the students can see clearly because relationship between meters, they will observe that the nitinol centimeters, and millimeters using a wire will transform into the shape variety of systems (e.g., fraction, you molded before the start of class decimal, and exponent). (see Preparation) whereas the other wire will not. Before Investigation 1. LINK – Ask students to list as many 6. Ask students to observe the new of the physical and chemical properties of the wires and add properties of matter they have them to the properties chart created studied in this unit as they can in earlier. Ask students to name the two minutes. Record their new property they have just responses on a large class chart observed (shape memory). Ask that has been divided into two them to suggest practical uses for columns – one for each type of shape memory (e.g., repairing property. broken bones, straightening teeth, reinforcing arteries and veins, © Fairfax County School Board page 3 This document may be reproduced for classroom use only and may not be used or reproduced for any other purpose. Small is Big Investigating Nanotechnology and its Applications TEACHER NOTES maintaining the shape of golf clubs supplying newsprint or other and eyeglasses, etc.). method for groups to show what they have identified as the key 7. EXPLAIN - Tell students they have ideas in each passage. Have the just witnessed an example of class come to consensus on the nanotechnology. Ask them if they key ideas for each of the eight key are familiar with the term. If anyone concepts of nanotechnology. is, ask them to briefly share what it is, and how they know about it. 11. Read aloud Step 1 (S 246) and Note: Students will conduct explain to students that they will collaborative research on come back to apply what they learn nanotechnology so the teacher about nanotechnology to these does not need to explicitly teach concepts after they have conducted about nanotechnology since that is their research about different types what students will discover from of nanotechnology. their research. 12. Have students count off (1-8) and 8. Read together the opening form new groups of 3-4 students paragraphs as well as the based upon number (i.e., all the 1's Questions for investigation. Ask in a group, 2's in a group, etc.). students to complete the Prediction which asks them to 13. Read Step 2 (S 247) and assign identify which of the everyday one category of nanotechnology to products listed incorporate each group. Students can use the nanotechnology (all are examples online references listed in the of nanotechnology except the iPod investigation or other resources and tiny camera). provided by you to conduct their research. Remind groups that they 9. Tell students they will will need to be concise in their