Nanotechnology as a Whole
A 3D axial view down the center of a carbon nanotube.Copyright 2010 James Hedberg. Used with permission.
http://www.jameshedberg.com/scienceGraphics.php?sort=all&id=carbon-nanotube-3D-model-axial
Students are given a general overview of nanotechnology principles and applications, as well as nanomaterials engineering. Beginning with an introductory presentation, they learn about the nano-scale concept and a framework for the length scales involved in nanotechnology. Engineering applications are introduced and discussed. This prepares students to conduct the associated activity in which they relate the nano-length scale to everyday objects. At completion, students are able to identify nanotechnology applications and have a frame of reference for the second lesson of the unit.
Working in the fields of nanotechnology and engineering requires an understanding of many classical materials engineering principles and fundamentals. However, due to the very small length scale, some classical fundamentals break down and new physics is necessary to fully understand nanotechnology. It is important for students to learn that to produce such technological applications, existing science has been modified to describe and replicate unique behaviors found at the extremely small scale. In addition, because of their small size, nanoscale devices can readily interact with human cells. With access to so many areas of the body and their unique behaviors, they have the potential to detect disease and deliver treatment in ways never unimagined.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Describe ways nanotechnology is expected to influence society.
- List key areas of research in the nanotechnology field and real-world applications.
- Explain the length scale of nanotechnology relative to traditional length scales.
- Convert measurements to different units.