A teacher's guide to key concepts in the field of Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology in the Classroom
Nanotechnology in the Classroom
Introduction
Nanotechnology concepts are becoming increasingly utilized in all science and engineering fields. In addition, many high technology fields are becoming dominated by foreign students, especially at the college graduate level. A current high school student of science, especially one who is in the process of deciding what field of study best suits them, can benefit greatly by an introduction these concepts.
The classroom activities contained on this page are primarily intended for high school Chemistry and Physics classes. Many of the activities listed below can be taught within traditional units as way to introduce concepts of nanotechnology that would normally never be discussed. Other actvities would be great for planning a new unit on nanotechnology or recent advances in science and engineering.
At the bottom of the page is a link to the Minnesota Science Standards that are relevant to teaching nanotechnology.
Student Webtour on Nanotechnology
This activity is appropriate for an advanced high school chemistry course. It uses nanotechnology to explore conversions, valence, semiconductors, and the de Broglie wavelength of an electron.Build a Model of an AFM Microscope
This activity from the University of Wisconsin uses Legos to build a working model of an AFM microscope. The model is fairly easy to build and demonstrates the basics of the microscope accurately.
Chemical Reaction / Lithography Lab
This lab is appropriate for a unit on chemical reactions in a high school chemistry class. The main focus of the lab is on replacement reactions, however the basic process of lithography and computer chip manufacture is also covered.
Close Packing of Spheres
Not yet available.
Build a model of an SEM Microscope
Not yet available.
Sense of scale activity
Classroom Activities from the University of Wisconsin:
Activities from the University of Wisconsin Internships in Public Science Education
Activities from the University of Wisonsin RET Program
Activities from the University of Wisconsin Interdisciplinary Education Group
Science Standards Related to Nanotechnology: