Return to Lesson Plan Index
Printer Friendly Version
Grades: 10-12
Author: Connie Hubbard, Sandra Van Natta, AGPA staff
Source: Original
A nanometer is one billionth (1 x 10-9) of a meter which can be about 3 to 5 atoms in width. Electrospun nanofibers produced from polymer solutions are being used in unique ways by scientists. Nanotechnology allows the manipulation of matter, atom by atom at the "nanoscale." Properties of these materials are amplified due to the fact that many fibers can fit into a very small space. Scientists have found many unique ways to use such fibers from producing new materials capable of blocking moisture, removing of toxins from both water and air, delivering medicines to a specific region in or on the body, and tissue scaffolding. The possibilities are endless as scientists and inventors produce new products formed from these extremely small fibers.
In this investigation students will determine the advantages of going "small" by comparing the amount of chocolate syrup coating on a large diameter pretzel to that of an equal volume of smaller pretzels coated with chocolate. Students will learn what happens to the surface area as the diameter gets smaller and smaller. Students will determine what advantages exist in making the size (diameter) of a pretzel smaller. Students will make the comparison by massing a cup of chocolate syrup before and after dipping the pretzel(s). Students will use their data, graphs and mathematical equations to support their conclusions. The lesson contains a Powerpoint review of the metric system with pictures to help students visualize large and small number lengths. Using a second Powerpoint set of slides in the elaboration, the teacher can relate the activity to the new field of nanotechnology and discuss with students why it is advantageous for newly developed materials to be so small. This often has to do with the large surface area available on nanosized particles and fibers.
What should students know as a result of this lesson?
What should the students be able to do as a result of this lesson?
Engagement
Begin the lesson by showing students pictures (or actual objects) of first-generation technologies and more recent examples. Pictures of a video-tape along side a DVD and a television that used cathode ray tubes along side a flat screen television are available by clicking here. Discuss with the students these examples of developments in electronics products (technologies) that have become possible due to our new ability to "do more" in ever smaller spaces. Explain to students that in this lesson they will be exploring the advantages of going small and learning about application in the new field of nanotechnology.
Some high school students have heard of nanotechnology but are unaware of unique physical properties that make nano-sized objects so desirable. One such property is the surface area-to-volume ratio. A quick demonstration of increased surface area may be done by coating pretzels in chocolate. Take an equivalent amount of smaller pretzels that have about the same volume as a large pretzel rod and pose the questions, "Which will have the greater amount of chocolate coating adhering?" Take several different answers from students and ask them to explain their thoughts. Return to this activity after students have performed the lab activity to allow students to actually mass the remainder of chocolate in the cup of chocolate after each dip.
Assessment A quick assessment of understanding can be done by taking a hand count of ideas. Ask how many students believe that there will be no difference; how many think the larger pretzel will contain more chocolate; and, how many think the smaller pretzels will contain more chocolate.
Exploration
Procedure: Part 1 - Data Collection
Assessment Have students develop their own data tables and also have them post their data in a common data table on the board. Students can then find their own mistakes with some guidance.
Procedure: Part 2 - Calculations and Graphing
Assessment Have students develop their own calculation data tables and also have them post their calculated data in a common data table on the board. Again, students can then find their own mistakes with some guidance. It is very easy to make a mathematical error when using several equations.
Explanation
Graph 1: Graph student averages of diameter v. circumference using graphical analysis or use a graphing template for the overhead projector. All students will graph their own values. Draw a line of best fit and then ask students to find the slope of this line.
Oral Assessment:
Ask students "What value is this equivalent to?" Most students should recognize π. Show students that if the equation for the circumference is divided by the equation for the diameter it equals π.
Also, ask students "What would happen if we extend our fit line in each direction?" Students should see that we can use our trend line to extrapolate the diameter or circumference of cylinders we did not measure.
Graph 2: Graph the average radius of each group v. surface area/volume ratio. Draw a trend line. Ask students what relationship exists between the radius (size) and the surface-to-volume ratio. Students should notice an inverse relationship and that as the radius increases the surface-to-volume ratio decreases. Ask students what they think this means in terms of nanofibers.
Review the metric system of measurement and the prefixes that when affixed to "meter" describe very large to very small units of length. Show the PowerPoint presentation entitled, What is the Meaning of "Nano" in Nanotechnology?.
Evaluation Questions: (Please answer in complete sentences)
Elaboration
Use one large paper straw and a number of smaller straws equivalent in volume to help students understand surface area compared to volume. Since the volume is constant, you can focus just on the surface area of the straws. The lengths of the straws are also constant. Cut the straws open with an exacto knife, flatten them and tape them to an overhead transparency. Have student volunteers measure the length and width dimensions. The class can calculate the areas by multiplying the length times the width. Data will show an increase in surface area when the areas of the smaller straws are added together and compared with the larger straw's surface area.
Conduct a discussion of the applications of nanotechnology after showing the PowerPoint presentation, Nanotechnology and Nanofibers.
Optional Project: Visit the computer lab and have students research the following: Describe how nanofibers might be used in a productive way. Be creative, give some detail and incorporate what you have learned in this lesson in your response.
Have students begin with the websites listed in the Teacher Notes Worksheet initially. As students explore, have them post any valuable sites they have encountered. Have students site their references. Use the grading rubric found in the Worksheets section.
Students should know the equations for the surface area of cylinder, the volume of a cylinder, the cross-sectional area of a cylinder (area of a circle) and the circumference of a circle. They should also be able to perform calculations with these equations. Students should know how to graph and interpret graphs. They should be able to recognize direct and inverse relationships. Students should also know how to calculate the slope of a line.
NGSS Standards:
Common Core Standards:
National Standards:
Ohio Standards:
Metric prefixes: nano
Information on nanofibers: http://www.nanitenews.com/, http://electrospun.blogspot.com/
Metric Measurement
Graphing using Excel or Graphical Analysis
Interpreting graphs: extrapolationg and determining relationships between variables (indirect, inverse)
Constructing an appropriate data table
Geometry equations for area, volume, surface area, cross-sectional area and circumference
No special requirements.
Nanofibers and their applications.
Additional information about nanotechnology and nanofibers is found in the PowerPoint presentation, Nanotechnology and Nanofibers.
This lesson combines a performance assessment and a written assessment. Students should be able to measure correctly using metric instruments. Students must calculate the circumference, volume, surface area and cross-sectional areas of their pretzels. They must graph variables and answer questions which demonstrate understanding of the concepts.
Grouping Suggestions: Recommended for groups of 2 or 3 students.
Pacing/Suggested Time: 1-lab period of 80 minutes; Reflection and Discussion (10-15 minutes); The optional elaboration piece would require additional class time of at least 1 period with additional time given (perhaps as homework) for students to finish the essay.
