The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

NANOTECHNOLOGY: What is it?

NANOTECHNOLOGY:

What Is It?

A 5th Grade STEM Lesson

Terri Schilling

February 2024

Notes for Teachers

• Context: This lesson is done in the classroom
• Students work in small groups of 2-3 and independently
• There are many websites that discuss nanotechnology

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List of Materials

• magnifying glasses or microscopes
• science notebook
• tweezers (optional)
• craft sticks (to move objects around)
• paper plates (to put objects on)
• small objects
• grains of sand
• rice
• seeds
• other tiny objects
• Paper to be used as a poster
• markers, colored pencils
• Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small (Read-aloud)

Arizona Science Standards

Science Standards:

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5.P1U1.1 Analyze and interpret data to explain that matter of any type can be subdivided into particles too small to see and, in a closed system, if properties change or chemical reactions occur, the amount of matter stays the same.

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Science and Engineering Practices:

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• ask questions and define problems
• plan and carry out investigations
• analyze and interpret data
• obtain, evaluate and communicate information

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Arizona ELA Standards

5.RI.9 Integrate information from several texts on the same topic in order to write or speak about the subject knowledgeably.

5.W.10 Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

5.SL1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

5.SL.5 Include multimedia components (e.g., graphics, sound) and visual displays in presentations when appropriate to enhance the development of main ideas or themes.

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Objective(s):

Today we will be introduced to medicine in nanotechnology.

Today we will read the book, “Beneath”, and look at how the book is a metaphor to nanorobotics.

Today we will examine how illustrations in the story contribute to the purpose of the text.

Today we will collaborate and communicate with our peers while creating our own nanorobot.

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Agenda (2 sixty-minute classes)

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What is nanotechnology?

Day one:

Engage: Can you name these? activity (5 mins)

Introduction to nanotechnology (10-20 mins discussion, video: 5:21)

Vocabulary (5 minutes / with activity (30 minutes)

Activity: Observe small objects (20-30 mins)

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Day two:

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Read-aloud: Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small (10-15 mins) / with activity (15-45 minutes)

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Discussion of careers in nanotechnology (5-10 mins)

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Nanotechnology - Real World Application Posters (15 mins)

Can you name these?

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Introduction

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Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology - What is it?

Nanotechnology is the science and technology of manipulating matter at the nanoscale, which is incredibly tiny.

A nanometer is one billionth of a meter, and nanotechnology deals with objects and structures at this scale.

Nanoparticles

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ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES

Nanotechnology Products

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Top 5 Nanotechnology Products 5:21

Vocabulary to Know

Nanotechnology:

The usage of matter on the nanometer scale to produce structures, systems, and technological devices.

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Nanoscale:

Length scale applicable to nanotechnology (i.e.1-100 nanometers).

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Nanometer:

A unit of measurement equal to one-billionth of one meter. The head of a pin is about 1 million nanometers across. A human hair is about 60,000 nanometers in diameter, and a DNA molecule is between 2-12 nanometers wide.

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Nanoparticles:

Particles with size on the order of 1-100 nm.

Hands-on Activity Instructions (20 mins)

• Small groups of 2-3 students
• Materials (prepare ahead of time)
• magnifying glasses or microscopes
• science notebook
• tweezers (optional)
• craft sticks (to move objects around)
• paper plates (to put objects on)
• small objects
• grains of sand
• rice
• seeds
• other tiny objects

Directions:

• Students will place objects (separate) on paper plates.
• Students will take turns looking at the items.
• As they look at objects, students will draw what they see close up.
• When finished drawing the close up versions, draw the items as they see them without the magnifying glass next to their counterparts.
• Discuss as a class what students noticed.

DAY

TWO

Read-Aloud

Careers in Nanotechnology

Instructions

• Each student will create their own poster.
• Include a brief description and simple drawing.
• Poster should be colorful and neatly done.
• Time allowed: 15 minutes

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Nanotechnology - Real World

Application Posters

Assessment

Assess the students based on their participation in class discussions, the quality of their posters, and their understanding of nanotechnology concepts.

Differentiation

• Heterogeneous groups with strong partners
• Extra time

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Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

• Research careers in nanotechnology
• Create poster for chosen career
• Present to the class