Apples to Atoms
Submitted on 15-APR-08
Contributed by Whenhao Sun

"Apples to Atoms" is a collection of activities focused on important concepts underlying nanoscience, developed for middle school science and math students. Each of the four chapters (Size and Scale, Measurement, Microscopy, and Surface Area to Volume Ratios) contains a series of linked activities, and readings which provide context for the concepts developed in the activities. Suggested assessment items are also included. The chapters are inter-related, but are designed so they may be taught in...

Environmental Catalysis Module
Submitted on 15-APR-08
Contributed by Renee DeWald

In the Environmental Catalysis Module, a joint project with the Institute for Environmental Catalysis at Northwestern University, students learn what a catalyst is and become aware of the use of catalysis to promote environmental protection. Besides introducing the concept of catalysis, the module also focuses other issues such as catalytic selectivity, specificity, poisoning, condition optimization, and waste minimization. The first activity of the module introduces the concept of catalysis in ...

High School Teaching Module using "Macro-AFM"
Submitted on 15-APR-08
Contributed by Tom Pittman

Using the macro tabletop AFM simulators, students will investigate the surface features of various samples using contact, tapping and magnetic modes. The students will measure the amplitude of oscillation of reflected LASER light at known coordinates to map out the surface features of the sample. Data is then analyzed through Microsoft Excel to construct a surface plot of the sample for comparison....

Introduction to Nanoscale Science: Surface Area to Volume Ratio Module
Submitted on 15-APR-08
Contributed by Valerie Maynard, Matthew Hsu

Many intriguing phenomena observed in the "nanoworld" can be attributed to the increase in the surface to volume ratio ( SVR ) at the nanoscale. Understanding the surface area effects to volume changes is thus crucial to the understanding of nanoscale phenomena and nanotechnology applications. As an introduction to the nanoworld, the major goals of this module are to (1) give students a feel for just how small the nanoscale is, (2) give students practice in mathematically communicating nanoscale...

LEGO Atomic Force Microscope and Magnetic Force Microscope
Submitted on 21-AUG-08
Contributed by Nathan Unterman

Scanning Probe Microscopy is an important tool for scientists and engineers. A classroom analogue constructed using Lego(R) building blocks is an effective way to represent how these tools work and to interpret the images produced by them. Background information for building a Lego(R) AFM and SPM are shown. Two laboratory activities are suggested, complete with advanced set-up information, pre-laboratory discussion, laboratory directions, and post-laboratory discussion. Instructions on making ...

Manipulation of Light in the Nanoworld
Submitted on 15-APR-08
Contributed by Christopher Chiaverina

"Manipulation of Light in the Nanoworld" extends the standard topics of wavelength, diffraction, and interference into the nanoscale by introducing students to the concept of photonic crystals. Hands-on activities present macro and microscale diffraction and interference effects in an engaging way. Computer simulations that parallel some of these hand-on activities allow students to observe the changes in these effects as objects move from the micro to the nanoscale. These concepts are then appr...

NanoSense Curriculum Units
Submitted on 02-FEB-07
Contributed by Patricia Schank, Alyssa Wise, Tina Stanford, Anders Rosenquist

NanoSense Curriculum is a set of three units on nanoscience for 7-12 grade students. The first unit is an introduction to nanoscience, focusing on concepts relating to size and scale. Another unit focuses on issues related to size and scale, specifically the effect of the size of nanopowders on the interactions of energy and matter. The third unit explores the issue of energy production as a pressing global issue and how nanoscience could enable important breakthroughs in energy generation and c...

Nanotechnology Module
Submitted on 15-APR-08
Contributed by Hilary Godwin

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 studen...