1 of 18

The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

NANOTECHNOLOGY: Nanorobotics

2 of 18

NANOTECHNOLOGY:

Nanorobotics

A 5th Grade STEM Lesson

Terri Schilling

2/13/2024

3 of 18

Notes for Teachers

  • Context: This lesson is done in the classroom.
  • Students work in individually or in small groups of 2-3.
  • Prepare by having material organized on trays for each group.

List of Materials

  • toothbrush heads (class set) Amazon
  • vibrating motors (class set) Amazon
  • batteries (class set) Amazon
  • double-sided tape
  • additional items - masking tape, scissors, LED bulbs, tiny googly eyes, and items to build a challenge robot: legos, straws, coins, dominoes, pipe cleaner, other small items
  • several ¾”-1” PVC pipes (1 ½’-2’ length)
  • Beneath picture book by Cori Doerrfeld or video read aloud - 3:42
  • Student directions
  • Student extension directions

4 of 18

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).

5 of 18

Objective(s):

Today we will be introduced to nanotechnology.

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 nanobots.

6 of 18

Agenda (1-2 sixty-minute class)

What is nanorobotics role in medicine?

Engage: Video - Nanobots Explained (5:29)

Introduction to nanotechnology in medicine (10-20 mins discussion)

Vocabulary (5 minutes / with activity (30 minutes)

Read-aloud: Beneath (10-15 mins) / with activity (15-45 minutes)

Create nanorobots, instructions and activity(25-30 mins)

Extension (30-45 mins)

7 of 18

Video (5:29)

8 of 18

What is Nanotechnology?

  • the study and use of structures between 1 nanometer and 100 nanometers in size
  • the manipulation of materials at the nanoscale level
  • materials exhibit unique properties that can be used to create new and innovative products

Examples:

nanoparticles used in sunscreens

nanotubes used in electronics

molecular water filtration

adhesives

9 of 18

Nanotechnology Scale

The nanoscale is incredibly small

One nanometer being ONE BILLIONTH of a meter.

At this scale, the laws of physics can be very different, and materials can have unique properties.

1 nm = 1,000,000 mm

1 m = 1,000,000,000 nm

1 micrometer = 1,000 nm

10 of 18

Nanotechnology in Medicine

Nanotechnology has many applications in medicine, including:

  • drug delivery
  • diagnostics
  • tissue engineering

Nanoparticles can be designed to target specific cells or tissues, and can be used to deliver drugs directly to cancer cells.

11 of 18

Nanorobotics in Medicine

Nanorobotics are part of our healthcare in the future.

Self-assembling nanobots are close to becoming a reality.

12 of 18

Vocabulary Words to Know

Nanotechnology:

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

Nanoscale:

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

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.

Nanorobot:

A nanotechnological robot nanomachine, also called a nanite, which is a mechanical or electromechanical device whose dimensions are measured in nanometers (millionths of a millimeter, or units of 10-9 meter.

13 of 18

14 of 18

15 of 18

Instructions

  • Step 1: Put double-sided tape on the back of the toothbrush.
  • Step 2: Stick motor on the tape on toothbrush.
  • Step 3: Place one wire on the tape, then place battery on the wire and tape.
  • Step 4: Place the other wire on the top, tape down the wire…now let it go!

Criteria

  • Project done individually
  • Follow student directions
  • Robot must be able to move across surface

Constraints

  • use only materials provided
  • must be completed in 15 minutes

16 of 18

Extension Instructions

  • Step 1: Take motor and battery off toothbrush head from first robot.
  • Step 2: Using materials provided, create a smaller robot.
  • Step 3: Adjust the placement (weight) of motor and battery so that the robot moves straight on surface.
  • Step 4: Place nanobot at one end of the inside of the pipe.
  • Step 5: Send it through pipe to the other end.
  • Step 6: If it doesn’t work, make adjustments, retry.

Criteria

  • Project done individually
  • Follow student directions
  • Robot must be able to go all the way through pvc pipe

Constraints

  • use only materials provided
  • must be completed in 30 minutes

17 of 18

Assessment

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

18 of 18

Differentiation

  • Heterogeneous groups with strong partners
  • Extra time

Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

  • Extension provided on slide
  • Research types of nanobots
  • Present to the class