Videos

This labs was from Nanolinks:

http://www.nano-link.org/component/docman/cat_view/2-nanotechnology-curriculum/14-nano-link-modules/18-unit-cells-crystals

We had worked with crystals before when we looked at; Rocks/ Geology Unit Grade 6 , Ice Crystals in Weather Unit, Grade 7, Chemistry Units Grade 8. We reviewed first by seeing Brainpop on crystals:

https://www.brainpop.com/science/earthsystem/crystals/

We had made previously crystals with borax and pipe cleaners, rock candy, salt crystals and we discussed ice crystals: http://www.ducksters.com/science/crystals.php

 

 

 

I would also suggest making models of crystals with old tennis balls. I learned this at a Chemistry PD with Dr. Martin:

http://www.light-science.com/glasschange.html  (about Dr. Martin)

http://adhunter.people.ysu.edu/CrystEd/CrystalsandmodelsK-4.htm  (same as these but with tennis balls)

http://www.hometrainingtools.com/a/crystal-science-projects  (lab information)

http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/pubs/A5/vanwagner.html  (more crystals)

http://www.iucr.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/3123/Class.pdf    (from paper)

This lab we first looked at the power point: http://www.nano-link.org/component/docman/cat_view/2-nanotechnology-curriculum/14-nano-link-modules/18-unit-cells-crystals

We discussed what a unit cell was and how all unit cells are not alike.  This video made the power point clearer:

This unit contained chemistry concepts that were difficult for my middle school students but it was good to expose them to these concepts. They did enjoy watching the crystals from using as super saturated solution. We did not complete Part 2 of the Activity due to time, but we previously made crystals from borax, salt and sugar.  The students did understand the basic crystal structure, what a unit cells is, and what a super saturated solution was.

We then discussed applications of crystals used in science and engineering such as  integrated circuits.

 

These videos helped the students see some future applications of nanotechnology including using crystals.  (The other pictures I took in my class for this lab did not come out due to low battery, sorry you can not see the crystals…)

 

 

https://www.brainpop.com/health/personalhealth/sunprotection/https://www.brainpop.com/health/personalhealth/sunprotection/In this lab modular from Nano-Link:

http://www.nano-link.org/component/docman/cat_view/2-nanotechnology-curriculum/14-nano-link-modules/23-nanoparticles-and-sunscreenles/23-nanoparticles-and-sunscreen

We first watched a Brainpop video on Sun protection:

http://https://www.brainpop.com/health/personalhealth/sunprotection/

We also watched:

The students learned how nanoparticles can be used in sunscreen to protect people from UV radiation. They compared regular sunscreen, no sunscreen and nano sunscreen using photochomatic paper and looking at exposure of pennies. This worked will with Grade 6 who already learned about the  Electromagenetic Spectrum. We also worked well with Grade 7 Body Systems we learned about the skin and Grade 8 Environmental Unit on Exposure to toxins.  Part one of this lab worked well in having students see what exposure time meant with a visible example and how different sources can result in different results for the same exposure time.  We also discussed difference in light sources  from indirect sunlight in our window to florescent bulbs.

In Part 2 the student liked being outside and also developing the photo papers. Students understood both the differences between nanoscreens and regular  sunscreens in how they work using the power point of this unit, What UV Effects are on our health, how sunscreens work and what SPF Means. I think this was a great lab since our students can see its applications easily in their lives. We also discussed the cons of utilizing this sunscreen, if the nanoparticles penetrate into their blood stream, what happens to fish etc.. when they are washed off in the water. We also discussed that there has been an increase in Fish Skin Cancers and due to ozone depletion and what this could mean for us too.  We also discussed as consumers how we complete a risk analysis of if we should utilize a new product. The students were also amazed about how level of SPF matters when looking at exposure. We also saw:

 

This is a great video to make people want to wear sunscreen! We also talked about skin color and skin cancer and sunburns using this link:

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/skin-cancer-and-skin-of-color