Nanotechnology Background Unit Day 1 Scientific Method

Hello! In order to build background with my students on Nanotechnology, I have designed a two week unit to use, now that we have completed the Science Curriculum for Grades 6, 7 and 8. I also just completed a 8 week review for the Science Grade 8 EOG. This will help when designing a project for the students. I also will have a basis of knowledge and activities in the field to use with my students.

I utilized the following resources for the Unit ( all were purchased inexpensively, used on Amazon):

1. Welcome to Nanoscience: Interdisciplinary Environmental Explorations: Grades 9-12, Andrew Madden et al, NSTA Press
2. The Big Ideas of Nanoscience Science and Engineering: A Guidebook for Secondary Teachers, Shaw Stevens et al, NSTA Press
3. Nanoscience, Activities for Grades 6-12, M Gail Jones et all, NSTA Press
4. Cool Science, Nanotechnology by Rebecca Johnson
5. Nano-Link- Center for Nanotechnology Education Modules: http://www.nano-link.org/nano-infusion/nip-modules

Day 1

We reviewed the Scientific Method using Fortune Telling Fish Toy.  This activity was from Nano-Link. We used the rap song:

Students used the toy to try to determine why the fish curled and rolled up in their palm and not on other surfaces from Nanolinks: The Scientific Method.

http://www.nano-link.org/component/docman/cat_view/2-nanotechnology-curriculum/14-nano-link-modules/22-scientific-method

They utilized  critical thinking, observation, explanation and testing explanations. The students really enjoyed this activity. They tried a variety of substances on the fish to see if it could curl from water, oil, vinegar and others. The students were excited to learn the “key” of this toy and wanted to trick their families. We discussed that it had a thin layer of polyacrylate and will when absorbing moisture it will expand, and how we have moisture on our hands. One student tried it under his arm too to see if it curled more. We discussed not only the scientific method but how we determine things we can not see with our eyes and how scientists determine how things work.