Investigating Static Forces in Nature: The Mystery of the Gecko

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DESCRIPTION:

The NanoLeap project represents an approach for teachers to introduce the exciting world of nanoscale science and technology to their classes by integrating interdisciplinary research with traditional science concepts. Investigating Static Forces in Nature: The Mystery of the Gecko is a three-week module that replaces and supplements part of a unit that is normally taught at the beginning of a physical science course. It addresses National Science Education Standards (NSES) ¹ in Science as Inquiry, the Nature of Science, and Physical Science including the topics of static forces, measurement, size and scale, and adhesion. It also provides an introduction to the idea of atomic structure and its relation to physical properties.

While considering the question of adhesion, students learn about the properties of surfaces and the measurement of force interactions. They then apply these concepts at the nanoscale level. Through studying a curious natural phenomenon (How does a gecko adhere to a ceiling?), students gain an understanding of forces, adhesion, surface contact, small size and scale, surfaces close-up, instrumentation, and weak atomic interactions. The central question that students will consider throughout the module is: "What factors affect the strength of the contact forces between interacting surfaces?"

MODULE CONTENTS:

Lesson 1: How Can a Gecko Walk on the Ceiling? -- Engage
Lesson 2: What Do We Mean When We Speak About Surfaces in Contact?
Lesson 3: What Are Your Ideas About Small Sizes?
Lesson 4: What Do We Learn When We Look More Closely?
Lesson 5: What Types of Forces Can Hold Objects Together?
Lesson 6: How MUCH Force Is Needed to Make an Object Stick?
Lesson 7: How Do We Measure Forces at the Nanoscale Level?
Lesson 8: How Can a Gecko Walk on a Ceiling? -- Evaluate

APPROXIMATE LENGTH OR DURATION OF ACTIVITIES:

Three week module. Individual activities can be implemented as stand-alone lessons.

REQUIRED SKILLS OR PREREQUISITES:

Pilot-test teachers suggested that it would be beneficial for students to have prerequisite knowledge about scientific notation and basic atomic structure prior to beginning this module.

EVALUATION METHODS:

Student formative assessments, designed to help teachers make effective instructional decisions, are embedded within each lesson (e.g., reflection journals to assess learning and identify questions and misconceptions early). The summative essay assessment is evaluated using rubrics designed to help students and teachers understand expectations and measure performance against specific criteria.

FOR CLASSROOM:

Whether a physical science course begins with chemistry topics or physics topics, NanoLeap: Exploring the Mystery of the Gecko fits easily into the curriculum. The module engages students actively in the processes of experimental design, utilizing metric measurements and conversions, and exploring properties of matter. Pilot-test teachers suggested that it would be beneficial for students to have prerequisite knowledge about scientific notation and basic atomic structure prior to beginning this module.

¹ National Research Council (1996). National science education standards . Washington , DC : National Academy Press.