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The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

NANOTECHNOLOGY: Exploring Microscopes and

Nanotechnology Applications

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NANOTECHNOLOGY:

Exploring Microscopes and Nanotechnology Applications

A 5th Grade STEM Lesson Unit

Terri Schilling

5/29/2024

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Notes for Teachers

Context: This lesson is done in the classroom.
Students work in individually or in small groups of 3-4.
Prepare by having material organized on trays for each group.

List of Materials

Light microscopes (one per group of 3-4 students)
Prepared slides (e.g., plant cells, animal cells, bacteria)
Blank slides and coverslips
Dropper and water
Onion, cheek cells, and toothpicks (for preparing own slides)
Computer with internet access and a projector
Do Not Lick This Book by Idak Ben-Berak and Julian Frost or video read aloud (9:47)
“Microscopes and How to Use a Light Microscope” video (9:15)
Nanotechnology examples (e.g., images or videos of nanoparticles, nanoscale devices)
“Introduction to Nanotechnology Applications” video (2:42)

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Arizona Science Standards

Science Standards

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.

U2: The knowledge produced by science is used in engineering and technologies to solve problems and/or create products.

Science and Engineering Practices

ask questions and define problems
develop and use models
plan and carry out investigations
analyze and interpret data
use mathematical and computational thinking
construct explanations and design solutions
engage in argument from evidence
obtain, evaluate and communicate information

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.L.5a Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

a. Interpret figurative language, including similes and metaphors, in context.

5.L.6 Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases, including those that signal contrast, addition, and other logical relationships (e.g., however, although, nevertheless, similarly, moreover, in addition).

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Objective(s):

Students will learn about microscopes, how they work, and their role in exploring the microscopic world. They will also get an introduction to nanotechnology and its applications.

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

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Agenda (1-2 sixty-minute class)

Essential Question: How do microscopes play a part in nanotechnology?

Engage: Read Aloud - “Do Not Lick This Book” video (9:47) / with activity (15-45 minutes)

Introduction to nanotechnology and microscopes (10-20 mins discussion)

Vocabulary (5 minutes / with activity (30 minutes)

Activity 1: Introduction to Microscopes (40 minutes)“Microscopes and How to Use a Light Microscope” video (9:15)

Activity 2: Nanotechnology Applications

video (2:42) / Discussion

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Read-Aloud

9:47

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Vocabulary Words to Know

Microscope: An instrument used to see objects that are too small to be seen by the naked eye.

Eyepiece: The part of the microscope you look through; contains a lens that magnifies the image.

Objective Lens: The lens closest to the specimen; typically, a microscope has multiple objective lenses with different magnifications.

Stage: The flat platform where you place your slides.

Focus Knobs: Used to adjust the clarity of the image. The coarse focus knob moves the stage up and down quickly, while the fine focus knob makes small adjustments.

Slide: A small piece of glass on which a specimen is placed for viewing under a microscope.

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Vocabulary Words to Know

Coverslip: A small, thin piece of glass or plastic that is placed over the specimen on a slide.

Nanotechnology: The science of working with atoms and molecules to build devices that are extremely small.

Nanoparticles: Particles that are between 1 and 100 nanometers in size.

Electron Microscope: A type of microscope that uses a beam of electrons to create an image of the specimen. It has much higher magnification and resolution than a light microscope.

Specimen: The object being observed under the microscope.

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DISCUSSION

What do you know about microscopes?

What do you know about nanotechnology?

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ACTIVITY

“Microscopes and How to

Use a Light Microscope”

video (9:15)

Demonstration

What do you know about nanotechnology?

Demonstration:

Show students how to properly use a light microscope. Explain the parts of the microscope (eyepiece, objective lenses, stage, light source, focus knobs) and their functions using the vocabulary list. A really good resource for using a microscope is the book, AmScope BK-WM The World of the Microscope A Practical Introduction with Projects and Activities,multicolor.

Guided Practice:

Divide students into small groups (3-4) and provide each group with a microscope.

Provide prepared slides and guide students in placing a slide on the microscope stage, adjusting the focus, and viewing the specimen.

Hands-On Practice:

Allow students to prepare their own slides:

Onion cell slide: Peel a thin layer of onion, place it on a slide, add a drop of water, and cover with a coverslip.

Cheek cell slide: Have students gently scrape the inside of their cheek with a toothpick, smear it on a slide, add a drop of water, and cover with a coverslip. **Students should make and handle their own cheek cell slides.

Students observe their slides under the microscope and draw what they see in their notebooks, labeling parts using vocabulary words.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your slide
Step 2: Onion cell slide: Peel a thin layer of onion, place it on a slide, add a drop of water, and cover with a coverslip.
Step 3: Cheek cell slide: Have students gently scrape the inside of their cheek with a toothpick, smear it on a slide, add a drop of water, and cover with a coverslip.
Step 4: Draw and record what you see using the vocabulary words

Criteria

Work with group
Follow instructions
Each student does their own Cheek Cell Slide

Constraints

use only materials provided
must be completed in 20 minutes

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NANOTECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS

Introduction to Nanotechnology Applications (20 minutes)

Presentation:

Use a computer and projector to show images and videos of nanotechnology applications (e.g., medical nanobots, nanoparticles in sunscreen, nanoscale electronics).

Explain how scientists use special microscopes, like electron microscopes, to see and manipulate things at the nanoscale using the vocabulary list.

Revisit the essential question: How do microscopes play a part in nanotechnology?

Discussion:

Discuss the importance of nanotechnology and how it can impact various fields like medicine, electronics, and environmental science.

Ask students to think about and share what they find most interesting about nanotechnology.

Recap the key points: the function of microscopes, how to use them, and the basics of nanotechnology.

Reflection Activity:

Have students write a short paragraph about what they learned today and what they found most exciting. Encourage them to use at least three vocabulary words in their reflection.

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Assessment

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

Participation in discussions and activities.

Proper use of the microscope and preparation of slides.

Drawings and notes taken during microscope observation.

Reflection paragraphs using vocabulary words.

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Differentiation

Heterogeneous groups with strong partners
Extra time

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

For students who are particularly interested, provide resources for further exploration, such as websites, books, or documentaries about microscopy and nanotechnology.

Present to the class