Project Descriptions

Liquid Crystal Sensors

The orientation of liquid crystal (LC) is shown to be sensitive to many physiochemical stimuli. Depending on the orientation, liquid crystals can change color and this allows for use of liquid crystals as visible sensors. The change of orientation of LC does not require much energy -this means that these sensors can be extremely sensitive. The goal of this project is to demonstrate a simple LC sensor that is sensitive to different concentration of a chemical (surfactant or detergent) and temperature, and to explain the physical concepts behind LC sensors. In addition, the project will expand into possible uses of LC as biological sensors.

The primary goal of this project is to:

• explain the science behind liquid crystals and how they are used currently and potential future uses in biological sensing arena
• develop hands-on activity to demonstrate liquid crystal sensors

Smart Papers: Carbonless/Thermally Sensitive Paper

Incorporation of "microencapsulation" colloid technology in traditional paper production created novel "smart" papers that can print without carbon sheets or ink rolls. The color dyes in colorless state become activated when placed in physical contact with special reaction material by writing pressure. Similarly, direct thermal imaging technology uses a document media that contains the "ink" in a colorless form as a coating on the surface. Heat generated in the tiny printhead element transfers to the media and activates the ink to develop color.

The primary goal of this project is to:

• develop hands-on activity to demonstrate the novel technologies used in "smart" papers
• explain/propose extension of such technology in security and other areas

Societal Implications 2003: Fear of New Technologies

In recent years, concern has grown within the nanotechnology research community about public reactions to nanotechnology. One interesting way to approach that issue would be through the history of public fears of new technologies. Such fears have been expressed in popular fiction from Frankenstein to Jurassic Park and Gattaca. They have also been a part of activist campaigns against DDT, nuclear weapons, and genetically modified organisms. What can students learn from some of these cases that could be helpful to people trying to better understand the societal implications of nanotechnology? Another option is to take a potential future application from nanotechnology and design a project that helps students explore its possible meaning for society. How might it change our lives for the better (or worse)? A third, more challenging option, designed for an audience of older students, would be to design a discussion around the question: how should the public relate to scientific and technological change in a democratic society? What does this imply for nanotechnology?

The primary goal of the team should be to:

• make connections between science and society that help students develop an awareness of the impact of nanotechnology

IPSE 2002 Projects

Nanoelectronics: Giant Magnetoresistance and Computer Hard Drives

Students dissect a hard drive to explore the fundamental principles of electricity, magnetism, and a nanotechnology-based phenomenon called giant magnetoresistance (GMR). GMR is exhibited by materials that have alternating layers of magnetic and non-magnetic materials, each a few atoms thick. The resistance of these materials changes dramatically when a magnetic field is introduced. GMR materials can be found in the read heads of your computer's hard drive. Students participate in a treasure hunt to find different components of the hard drive in order to win a prize. Students explore magnetism and electricity through hands-on demonstrations and must answer questions about these topics in order to receive visual clues to aid in their hard drive treasure hunt.

Nanomedicine: Ferrofluid

Most cancer drugs kill some good cells along with the bad cells making the patient very sick. What if you could treat cancer without making your patient sick? Nanotechnology, technology at the scale of atoms, may allow us to do this in the near future. Students will work in research teams to explore different methods of drug delivery. One method involves ferrofluid, a nanomaterial currently under investigation for medical applications. Ferrofluid is made from nano-sized particles of magnetite that are coated with a surfactant. The surfactant keeps the solid particles from sticking together giving a liquid-like appearance.

Nanoarchitecture: Forms of Carbon

Atoms are the building blocks of everything around us - including ourselves! Atoms come in different "flavors" called elements. Students will explore how the properties of materials change when atoms are connected in different ways. This concept will be explored when students investigate four forms of the element Carbon: diamond, graphite, buckyballs, and nanotubes. Carbon can form the hardest natural material known on earth, diamond, and it can also form one of the softest materials, graphite. The properties of each material change as the arrangement of atoms changes. When carbon atoms form tiny tubes, called carbon nanotubes, the tubes are twice as strong as steel but weigh six times less!

Societal Implications of Nanotechnology 2002

Students are the lawmakers for the city of Nanoville and are trying to decide whether to pass a new law that requires all new cars to be built with strength-enhancing nanotechnology, such as carbon nanotubes. This law would provide the funding to do so.

Students will participate in a mock legislature activity designed to illustrate the effect that technology has on society, and how society makes decisions regarding technology. The students will be divided into groups representing different segments of society: environmentalists, local industry and business leaders, healthcare administrators, local residents, and carbon nanotube manufacturers . Each group will discuss possible effects of nanotechnology on the interests of the people they represent. The class will be asked to consider both pros and cons of using nanotechnology and come to a decision at the end.