The microscopic world is full of phenomena very different from what we see in everyday life. Some of those phenomena can only be explained using quantum mechanics. This activity introduces basic quantum mechanics concepts about electrons that are essential to understanding modern and future technology, especially nanotechnology. Start by exploring probability distribution, then discover the behavior of electrons with a series of simulations.

Students are presented with a real-life problem as a challenge to investigate, research and solve. Specifically, they are asked to investigate why salt water helps a sore throat, and how engineers apply this understanding to solve other problems. Students read a medical journal article and listen to an audio talk by Dr. Z. L. Wang to learn more about quantum dots. After students reflect and respond to the challenge question, they conduct the associated activity to perform journaling and brainstorming.

Students are introduced to a unique fluid ferrofluids the shape of which can be influenced by magnetic fields. This activity supplements traditional magnetism activities and offers comparisons between large-scale materials and nanomaterials.Students are introduced to the concepts of magnetism, surfactants and nanotechnology by relating movie magic to practical science. Students observe ferrofluid properties as a stand-alone fluid and under an imposed magnetic field. They learn about the components of ferrofluids and their functionality as they create shapes using magnetically controlled ferrofluids and create their masterpieces.

In this activity, students interact with 12 models to observe emergent phenomena as molecules assemble themselves. Investigate the factors that are important to self-assembly, including shape and polarity. Try to assemble a monolayer by "pushing" the molecules to the substrate (it's not easy!). Rotate complex molecules to view their structure. Finally, create your own nanostructures by selecting molecules, adding charges to them, and observing the results of self-assembly.

This resource is a video abstract of a research paper created by Research Square on behalf of its authors. It provides a synopsis that's easy to understand, and can be used to introduce the topics it covers to students, researchers, and the general public. The video's transcript is also provided in full, with a portion provided below for preview:

"Montmorillonite clay is an abundant and versatile natural nanomaterial. Formed of aluminum oxide sheets sandwiched between layers of silica, montmorillonite is prized for its tremendous absorption and antimicrobial properties, including by those in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and water purification industries. Some scientists even believe that the mineral was crucial to catalyzing the primordial reactions that gave rise to the first life forms on earth. Now, a recent study suggests that the same mineral could help breathe life into the economy of rural parts of Pakistan. Montmorillonite deposits are found all over the world, most notably in the Himalayan, Caucasus, and Andes mountains. But an abundant supply of raw clay also exists in the largely untouched mountains found in South Punjab in Pakistan. Here, heavy reliance on agriculture and low levels of industrialization have contributed to higher levels of poverty and unemployment compared with the rest of Punjab..."

The rest of the transcript, along with a link to the research itself, is available on the resource itself.

Learn about organic chemistry through engaging, bitesize animated videos. They are organised into these chapters: crude oil, functional groups, alkanes and alkenes, alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters, polymers, proteins, carbohydrates, organic chemistry in everyday life and nanoscience.

The CK-12 21st Century Physics FlexBook is a collaborative effort of the Secretaries of Education and Technology and the Department of Education that seeks to elevate the quality of physics instruction across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Delve into a microscopic world working with models that show how electron waves can tunnel through certain types of barriers. Learn about the novel devices and apparatuses that have been invented using this concept. Discover how tunneling makes it possible for computers to run faster and for scientists to look more deeply into the microscopic world.

This group of materials is designed to provide a framework to teach students in an introductory engineering course basic nanotechnology concepts. The materials use the NAE grand challenge “Provide Access to Clean Water” to underpin the need and potential for nanotechnology to address society’s needs.

This group of materials is designed to provide a framework to teach students in an introductory engineering course basic nanotechnology concepts. The materials use the NAE grand challenge “Reverse Engineering the Brain” to underpin the need and potential for nanotechnology to address society’s needs.

This group of materials is designed to provide a framework to teach students in an introductory engineering course basic nanotechnology concepts. The materials use the NAE grand challenge “Make Solar Energy Economical” to underpin the need and potential for nanotechnology to address society’s needs.

This group of materials is designed to provide a framework to teach students in an introductory engineering course basic nanotechnology concepts. The materials use the NAE grand challenge “Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure” to underpin the need and potential for nanotechnology to address society’s needs.

Use a virtual scanning tunneling microscope (STM) to observe electron behavior in an atomic-scale world. Walk through the principles of this technology step-by-step. First learn how the STM works. Then try it yourself! Use a virtual STM to manipulate individual atoms by scanning for, picking up, and moving electrons. Finally, explore the advantages and disadvantages of the two modes of an STM: the constant-height mode and the constant-current mode.

This resource is a video abstract of a research paper created by Research Square on behalf of its authors. It provides a synopsis that's easy to understand, and can be used to introduce the topics it covers to students, researchers, and the general public. The video's transcript is also provided in full, with a portion provided below for preview:

"Nanotechnology has long held the promise of a better tomorrow. But it’s not without controversy. In a popular doomsday scenario, for example, we find our planet engulfed by self-replicating nano-bots, a runaway programming error in a nanomaterial designed to clean up the environment. True, the scenario is science fiction rather than science fact, but it does touch on the fear that nanomaterials pose a public health risk. Tiny nanoparticles can, in fact, nestle themselves in our bodies with a single breath. The question is, how long do they stay there? A UK study suggests that the long-term accumulation of nanoparticles in the vital organs of rats warrants a closer look at the bodily effects of nanomaterials. Most animal studies have shown that breathable nanoparticles that are lodged in the lungs are typically cleared within a few months, with fewer than 1 percent traveling to other organs, such as the brain, liver, or kidneys..."

The rest of the transcript, along with a link to the research itself, is available on the resource itself.