Nanotechnology Module

MODULE SUMMARY | ACTIVITY SUMMARIES | RELATED SIMULATION | RELATED SEMINARS

MODULE SUMMARY

The Nanotechnology Module, a joint project with the Institute for Nanotechnology at Northwestern University, teaches students about the interesting science that happens at the nanoscale, the tools used by scientists to study objects so small, and the potential applications of discoveries made in nanotechnology. Activity 1 introduces the concept of nanometer, asking "Just how small is a nanometer?" and "How does the size of something determine its physical and chemical properties?" To give students an idea of the different technological developments that are in existence in the "Nano-World," in Activity 2, they are asked to choose a nanoscale object from a list of examples and research its properties and current and future uses. In Activity 3, students create a macroscale model of what scientists do at the nanoscale with masking technology. Such a technique could be applied to create nanoscale circuitry, for example. Activity 4 looks at the challenges of signal amplification that one faces when working with nanoscale objects. The challenge in the culminating design project is to design, build, test, and evaluate a working model of an atomic force microscope (AFM), a valuable instrument scientists use to "see" nanoscale objects. Although research efforts in nanotechnology are still in the preliminary stages, the discoveries have the potential to significantly impact the fields of medicine, electronics, information technology, pharmaceuticals, and materials science, among others.

ACTIVITY SUMMARIES

Activity 1: Changing the Properties of Materials by Changing Their Size

The purpose of this activity is for students to discover that the physical and chemical properties of materials can depend on their size. In Part A, students examine how the catalytic activity of manganese dioxide (MnO₂) can be increased by reducing the size of the MnO₂ particles. In Part B, students use a colloid consisting of nanosized gold particles to examine how the size of the gold particles in the colloid solution can be modulated and how this affects the optical properties (color) of the colloid. This color change is due to a physical change of the substance, not a chemical change.

Activity 2: Searching for Nanoscale Objects

This activity gives students an idea of the different technological developments that are in existence in the "Nano-World." They are asked to choose a nanoscale object from a list of examples and research its properties and current and future uses.  Students can then present their findings in a variety of ways, such as a poster, PowerPoint presentation, paper, or class discussion.

Activity 3: Nanopatterning with Lithography

How can nanosized particles be made? In this activity, students investigate the concepts of lithographic patterning and serial vs. parallel fabrication. They model nanolithography by creating patterns of spheres in a frame template (similar to billiard balls in a triangular rack) and sprinkling glitter (simulating silver atoms) through the interstices. When the mask is removed, individual silver "nanoparticles" are revealed.

Activity 4: Amplifying the Nanoscale to the Macroscale

In this activity, students determine how to amplify the atomic scale to a macroscopic scale, a key feature for building an atomic force microscope (AFM) in their design project. They model two essential parts of an AFM. In Part A, they create a calibration curve by moving a coil spring on the millimeter scale and measuring its amplified movements in the centimeter or decimeter scale. In Part B, students relate force on the spring to the amplified signal/movement.

Design Project 1: Designing a Nanoscale Imaging Apparatus

Students are challenged to build a working model of an AFM capable of quantitatively image surface features using what they have learned in the previous activities. The model must be able to be scaled down to measure nanoscale features.

Design Project 2: Modeling a Nanoscience Application

Students are challenged to research and model (either physically or conceptually) a process, technique, or machine that is used in nanotechnology. For example, they could do their project on something they found during their Internet search (Activity 2) or something else entirely.

» Sample Activity Pages (PDF)

Contact us if you would like to participate in field testing this module.

RELATED SIMULATION:

• Gold Nanoparticles- Interactive Computational Animations on Nanomaterials

RELATED SEMINARS:

• Nanomagnetism
  Kristen Buchanan, Argonne National Laboratory
• Introduction to Nanometer Scale Science and Technology
  Prof. Mark Hersam, Northwestern University
• Metal Oxide Nanowires: Synthesis, Characterization and Device Applications
  Prof. Jia Grace Lu, University of California
• Designing Nanocomposite Materials for Solid-State Energy Conversion
  Timothy D. Sands, Purdue University
• Understanding the Growth Processes of Novel Nanostructures
  Prof. Zhong Lin Wang, Georgia Institute of Technology
• It's a Nanoworld After All: Using Nanotech Consumer Products to Engage Student Learning
  Prof. Katherine C. Chen, California Polytechnic State University
  Abstract (PDF) | Presentation (PDF) | References (PDF)
• Wrapping light around a hair
  Eric Mazur, Harvard University
• Nanomaterials Inspiration from Ancient Materials
  Howard E. Katz, Jonah Erlebacher, and Peter Searson, Johns Hopkins University
• Directed Assembly of Nanoelements for High-rate Nanomanufacturing of Devices and Sensors
  Prof. Ahmed Busnaina, Northeastern University
• Nanotechnology: An Overview of Recent Developments
  Dr. Meyya Meyyappan, NASA Ames Research Center
  Video (mp4)
• Nano 101: Introduction to Nanotechnology
  Prof. Mark Ratner, Northwestern University
  Video (rm)
• Surface-to-Volume Ratio and Nanotechnology: What's the difference between Perrier and Seltzer water?
  Dr. Gerardo Morell, Dr. Ana Rita Mayol, Dr. Manuel Gomez, Dr. Carlos Marin
  The University of Puerto Rico
• Functionalized Nanomaterials at the Interface of Biology and Technology
  Prof. Dean Ho, Northwestern University