10 TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING TEACHER February 2011

By Amanda S. Roberts
Nanotechnology:
The Incredible Invisible World
With emphasis on environmental
issues, health care, and business/
industry accomplishments, this
article will provide insight into
some of the potential of the eld
of nanotechnology.
A
s we look at inventions and discoveries throughout
the ages, we can see that many of them have had
incredible impacts on science, engineering, and
technology and the way that we live and work.
Inventions such as the plow changed they way that food
was grown and produced. Te invention of the steam
engine changed the way that we traveled and moved
goods and services. We can see that the invention of the
telegraph, telephone, radio, and television have made
our world smaller in the way that we communicate with
each other and others in distant lands. More recently,
the invention of the satellite and the mobile phone have
enabled individuals to be in touch globally in real time. Te
invention of the telescope has been heralded as one of the
great inventions of the seventeenth century, as it enabled
humans to see into the depths of our solar system and
what others had not seen before. Galileo Galilei made the
telescope famous. He assembled a 20-power telescope and
made observations about Earths Moon. He discovered the
four satellites of the planet Jupiter and resolved nebular
ways into stars. Subsequently he published Sidereus
Nuncius in March 1610, which is noted as the rst scientic
treatise on observations made through a telescope (Galileo
Project, 2003).
Another invention that we learn about in elementary school
is the invention of the microscope. Imagine the world that
the microscope opened up to scientists and researchers
in those early years. We generally know that the telescope
and microscope are optical devices that are based on the
properties of lenses to magnify an image or view. However,
we give little thought to the fact that the discovery of
glass played a signicant role in these and other optical
inventions. Nearly every eld of science has benetted in
some manner from the invention of the microscope. Te
invention of the microscope dates back to the sixteenth
century and a Dutch eyeglass maker named Zacharias
Janssen. Janssens work would have an impact on scientic
discoveries in the centuries to come (Chodos, 2011).
However, the invention of the electron microscope would
move science from the microscopic world of optical
instruments to the world of atoms! James Hiller and Albert
Prebus, graduate students at the University of Ontario,
would build the rst practical electron microscope that
enabled scientists to see objects not by magnication and
Resources in Technology and Engineering
11 TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING TEACHER February 2011
light shining through a specimen, but rather by focusing a
beam of electrons through a specimen. Hiller would later
accept a job at the Radio Corporation of America where
he worked with a team to develop the rst commercial
electron microscope. Te invention of the electron
microscope enabled scientists to see molecular structures
and manipulate atoms that would eventually lead to the eld
of nanotechnology (MIT, 2003).
Te concept of nanotechnology was rst introduced in
1959 by Richard Feynman at a meeting of the American
Physical Society. His speech, entitled Tere is Plenty of
Room at the Bottom, postulated that there was merit to
the idea of building from the bottom up through the use
of atoms as the building blocks (Klusek, 2007; Lindquist,
Mosher-Howe, & Liu, 2010). Tirty years later, Drexler
further developed Feynmans concepts of nanotechnology
by dening the way small and large structures could be built
atom by atom or molecule by molecule using nanorobots
(nanobots) as assemblers and replicators. In 2000,
nanotechnology entered into U.S. public policy through
the National Nanotechnology Initiative (Klusek, 2007;
Lindquist, Mosher-Howe, & Liu, 2010), demonstrating
it was a research priority for the United States. In 2005,
there was a request for roughly $1 billion dollars for federal
research across a wide range of federal agencies (Porod,
2004). Today nanotechnology is an emerging technology
globally in which the United States currently demonstrates
a healthy investment. According to Ernst (2009, p. 1), the
National Academies (2006) indicated that 33 percent of
all nanotechnology patents awarded from 1990 to 2004
were granted to researchers in the United States. In a
distant second, Japan held 19 percent of the worldwide
patents during the same period of time (Ernst, 2009, p. 1).
Ernst explains that nanotechnology is the fastest growing
industry in history (Ernst, 2009, p. 2) and cites Wilson,
Kannagara, Smith, Simmons, and Raguse (2002) to predict
it will have a signicant impact on war, crime, terrorism,
law enforcement, and commercial goods (Ernst, 2009, p. 2).
Resources in Technology and Engineering will review
several major applications of nanotechnology as well as
describe possible future applications of nanotechnology.
Te range of elds to which nanotechnology may be
applied today includes electronics, communications,
automotive, aerospace, materials, chemicals,
pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, energy technology, space
exploration, the environment, national security, health
care, and other life sciences (Porod, 2004, p. 2). Holley
(2009, p. 11) reinforces this by reminding us of Uldrich
and Newberrys 2003 prediction that, it is dicult to
think of an industry that isnt going to be disrupted by
nanotechnology. With emphasis on environmental issues,
health care, and business/industry accomplishments, this
article will provide insight into some of the potential of the
eld of nanotechnology.
What is Nanotechnology?
Denitions for nanotechnology are as numerous as its
functions. Some of the confusion lies in the fact that there
are naturally occurring nanosize materials residual in
individual processes (Holley, 2009, p. 11). Te National
Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) advocates a strict
denition of nanotechnology by including only activities
at the atomic, molecular, and supermolecular levels, in the
length scale of approximately 1 100 nm range that create
materials, devices, and systems with fundamentally new
properties and function because of their small structure
(Holley, 2009, p. 11). Nanotechnology, as dened by the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (as cited
in Mnyusiwalla, Daar, & Singer, 2003), is managing matter
on the nanometer scale to form purposeful materials,
devices, and systems (Ernst, 2009). In essence, it is a branch
of science and engineering that deals with creating objects
smaller than 100nm in size (Bottero, Rose, & Wiesner,
2006). Just how big is a nanometer? Wolfgang Porod,
Director of the Center for Nano Sciences and Technology
explains, Nano is a prex derived from the Greek word for
dwarf, and it means one-billionth of something (2004, p. 1).
Terefore, to refer to a nanosecond is to mean one billionth
of a second, and a nanometer is one billionth of a meter
(Porod, 2004). Today, we have the technology available to
see with electron microscopes, manipulate, and work with
this length of scale (Porod, 2004).
Te National Science Foundation has declared that a major
outcome goal is to maintain a competitive workforce of
scientists, engineers, and technologists who are diverse
and globally engaged in the U.S. workforce (Ernst, 2009).
Because nanotechnology is developing into the science
of the future, this can only be accomplished through
the studies in the applications and developments of
nanotechnology. Terefore, it is imperative for nations to
become aware of the work being accomplished through the
use of nanotechnology and be encouraged to continue the
eorts as students complete their degrees.
Applications of Nanotechnology
Te summer of 2010 left Pakistan devastated by ooding.
Roads, bridges, and villages were destroyed, ruining years
of progress made in the building of their infrastructure
(Gillani, 2010). People were displaced from their homes,
with little access to basic necessities, including fresh
12 TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING TEACHER February 2011
water, and were forced to rely on a less than adequate
ltering process to create fresh drinking water. Typical
water purication processes in developing countries
are slow. Small amounts of water may be cleaned at a
time, which means large amounts of shortages become
prevalent. Furthermore, the process relies on pumps,
which require substantial quantities of electrical power.
Tis may be dicult to access, especially in a ooding
situation like Pakistans (Dillow, 2010). In a study
conducted by Salamanca-Buentello, et al. (2005), of the
top ten applications of nanotechnology for developing
countries, water purication and remediation needs came
in third. Clearly, a need for an improved system for water
purication is required. Stanford University is seeking
to develop an inexpensive, ecient, and portable way of
purifying water from the Escherichia coli bacteria to create
a lter that could be applied in many dierent situations,
including water purication (Schoen et al., 2010). Trough
gravity and a weak electric current, regular cotton fabric
obtained at a local Wal-Mart can be used to create such a
water purifying lter (Evans, 2010).
Yi Cui, lead researcher, and a team from Stanford University,
created a three-component lter. Cotton was chosen as
the backbone because it is cheap, available, chemically and
mechanically robust, and the pores in cotton are far enough
apart to prevent clogging when ltering the bacteria. Te
second component is silver. Silver is chosen because it is
known to be a solid bactericidal agent. Synthetic silver
nanowires (AGNWs) are created through a previously
developed technique and are used to create a secondary
mesh. Te nal component of their lters is the carbon
nanotubes (CNTs). Tey provide a malleable coating that is
highly conductive (Schoen et al., 2010).
Te process of creating a lter begins with producing
nanowires through the predetermined process. A
CNT ink is then prepared by dispersing 1.6 mgmL
laser ablation CNTs in water with 10 mg/mL sodium
dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) as surfactant (Schoen
et al, 2010). Once the CNT ink and the silver nanowires
are ready, a piece of cotton is submerged in the CNT ink.
Te fabric is then rinsed with distilled water to remove
excess surfactant. At this point, the CNT ink clings to
the cotton readily, and the now prepared piece of cotton
is able to conduct electricity. However, adding the silver
nanowires by pipetting them directly from a methanol
solution enhances conductibility. Te cotton piece is dried
for 30 minutes on a 95C hot plate, followed by more rinsing
(Schoen et al., 2010). Once the prepared fabric is dried, it is
exposed to a 12-volt battery or a hand-cranked generator.
As contaminated water passes through the electried fabric,
bacteria are destroyed, up to 98% of the Escherichia coli
bacteria (Dillow, 2010).
The results from this method of water purification are
very encouraging. Not only could large amounts of water
be purified with a very small amount of electricity, but
the researchers postulate that if 98% of the bacteria
could be destroyed, then perhaps a compound filter with
layers of different materials might be able to increase
the number of bacteria destroyed to closer to 100% for a
variety of bacteria known to cause water-borne illnesses
(Dillow, 2010). Furthermore, while the only bacteria
exposed to this process at the time was the Escherichia
coli bacteria, it is expected to be as effective on other
microorganisms because silver is an extremely general
agent (Schoen et al., 2010).
Another industry heavily impacted by nanotechnology is
medicine. When nanotechnology is applied to medicine
it is referred to as nanomedicine (Freitas, 2009). Medical
researchers continue to seek ways in which nanotechnology
may benet consumers. For example, researchers at Johns
Hopkins University, together with colleagues at the Johns
Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, are very enthusiastic
about the work they are pursuing through the use of
nanotechnology to nd cancer. A highly sensitive test,
referred to as MS-qFRET: a quantum dot-based method for
analysis of DNA methylation, has been developed to seek out
DNA attachments, which are often early indicators for cancer
(Johns Hopkins University, 2009; Science & Children, 2009).
Photo 1: A scanning electron microscope image of the silver
nanowires in which the cotton is dipped during the process of
constructing a lter. Te large bers are cotton. Credit: Yi Cui,
Stanford University.
13 TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING TEACHER March 2011
Je Tza-Huei Wang (2009), an associate professor of
mechanical engineering, whose laboratory team played a
leading role in developing this particular technique, says the
test oers several signicant bonuses. First, the test has the
potential to lead to early diagnosis of cancer. It could also
be used to help doctors determine how well their patients
are responding to treatment (Science & Children, 2009).
Bailey (2009), a biomedical engineering doctoral student in
Bangalore, India and one of the lead authors of the Genome
Research project, adds other potential benets for the test.
She states that the test is accomplished by obtaining a
simple blood sample. Terefore, it allows those patients who
have been identied with a positive methylation to undergo
more frequent cancer tests. Also, because dierent types
of cancer display their own genetic markers, it could be
possible to use the test to determine which particular cancer
a patient may be inclined to develop, such as leukemia or
lung cancer. Early results show that this test appears to be
more sensitive and provides results more quickly than other
current methods (Johns Hopkins University, 2009; Science
and Children, 2009).
Te test seeks to target a biochemical change called DNA
methylation, which occurs when a chemical group called
methyl attaches itself to cytosine, one of the four nucleotides
or base building blocks of DNA (Science and Children,
2009, p. 9). Te accumulation of methylation at critical gene
locations results in an inability to produce proteins that
help to suppress tumors. If this occurs, it is easier for cancer
to develop. Consequently it becomes less complicated to
detect a persons likelihood of developing cancer when the
presence of the abnormal gene DNA methylation is detected
(Johns Hopkins University, 2009).
According to the researchers at Johns Hopkins University
(2009), the process of detecting the DNA methylation begins
by using a chemical process called bisulte conversion.
Te purpose is to single out the DNA strands that have a
methyl group attached to them. Te bisulfate conversion
enables any DNA segments that lack a methyl group to be
transformed into another nucleotide.
After this process has been completed, then the lab will use
a second procedure to create copies of the remaining DNA
strands that are linked to cancer. It is during this process
when two molecules are linked to either end of the DNA
strand. One of the molecules is a protein called biotin. Te
other molecule attached at the opposite end of the DNA
strand is a uorescent dye. Te purpose for attaching these
molecules to the DNA strands is to enable researchers to
detect and count the DNA strands that are associated with
cancer (Johns Hopkins University, 2009).
Once the DNA strands have been prepared, they are then
mixed with specially designed quantum dots. A quantum
dot is a crystal of semiconductor material that is only a few
nanometers in length. Te quantum dots are a necessary
component of the process because they easily transfer
energy. Consequently, when light shines on a quantum dot,
it transfers the energy to the molecule, which then reects
a uorescent glow. Tis makes the potential cancerous
DNA strands obvious and easily identiable (Johns Hopkins
University, 2009).
Te quantum dots are eective because they have been
specially treated with a chemical that is attracted to biotin.
Tis chemical enables up to 60 of the targeted DNA strands
to connect to just one quantum dot. A blue laser or an
ultraviolet light shone on a sample causes the quantum dots
to grab the energy and immediately transfer that energy
to the uorescent dye that was previously attached to the
selected DNA strands. Tese dye molecules use the energy
to light up (Johns Hopkins University, 2009).
After the light has been exposed to the sample, a
spectrophotometer is used to detect the uorescence
signals. Te results allow the researchers to not only
determine if there is a presence of cancer-linked DNA but to
also observe the quantity of DNA methylation in the sample.
Photo 2: In this illustration, quantum dots are depicted as gold
spheres that attract DNA strands linked to cancer risks. When the
quantum dots are exposed to certain types of light, they transfer
the energy to uorescent molecules, shown as globes, which emit a
glow. Tis enables researchers to detect and count the DNA strands
linked to cancer. Credit: Yi Zhang
14 TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING TEACHER March 2011
dierent bacteria and consume them into amino acids. Te
nanorobot would then harmlessly eliminate the amino acids
through an exhaust port (Freitas, 2009).
Freitas (2009) explains the enormous potential for such
nanorobots. Instead of subjecting the entire body to a
drug whose purpose is to eradicate a single bacteria while
at the same time increasing the potential for several
unwanted side eects, creating a nanorobot whose job is
to seek and devour the unwanted pathogen without the
use of drugs could be done. Te potential these robots
could oer is incredible. For example, patients would be
monitored by doctors continuously through the robots
onboard computers resulting in benets such as: virtual
instant blood work results, early detection of disease, and
monitoring of slowly developing chronic diseases.
Nanotechnology has been applied to biomimicry as well.
Biomimicry (derived from bio, which means life, and
mimesis, which means to imitate) is a new science and an
art created to emulate natures biological development to
solve human problems (Biomimicry Institute, 2007). Te
Biomimicry Guild has developed a Biology Design Spiral. It
is used as a tool that guides an innovator through the design
process to create a more sustainable design. Te rst step is
to identify the real problem to be solved by writing a design
brief. Second, the innovator must interpret the design brief
to determine the specic function from nature for which
they are looking. Next, they must discover models in nature
that accomplish the same task successfully. Once the initial
phases of identifying the problem have been completed,
the designer must work through the abstract phase where
they seek to nd repeating patterns that achieve the success
desired. Next, the designer would seek to emulate the same
processes that nature uses, and nally, they would evaluate
their results (Biomimicry Institute, 2007).
Using the biomimicry method, Te University of Michigan
has developed a layered plastic based on the brick-and-
mortar molecular structure of a seashell (Biomimicry and
Nanotechnology, 2007). Kotov describes the synthetic
material, which is stronger than plastic but lighter and more
transparent, as nearly a plastic steel (Biomimicry and
Nanotecnology, 2007, p. 1). Te potentials for this plastic
could lend to lighter, stronger armor for military personnel
and police ocers as well as their vehicles. Tere could
also be applications in microelectromechanical devices,
microuidics, biomedical sensors and valves, and unmanned
aircraft (Biomimcry and Nanotechnology, 2007, p. 1).
Kotov (2007) and his associates describe how they were
able to solve a signicant problem that has baed scientists
If there is a high amount of DNA methylation, it would
be associated with a higher risk of cancer (Johns Hopkins
University, 2009).
Other endeavors to incorporate the benets of
nanotechnology into the medical world include the
theory of the development of the microbivore or medical
nanorobot: a machine the size of a bacterium, comprising
many thousands of molecule-sized mechanical parts
(resembling gears, bearings, and ratchets), possibly
composed of a strong diamondlike material (Freitas,
2009, p. 1). Freitas (2009) further describes the appearance
of the nanorobot. It will require motors to run, arms to
manipulate, and legs for mobility. It will also require a
power supply, guidance sensors, and an onboard computer
to control behavior. Tis nanorobot must be small
enough to travel through the blood stream or the smallest
capillaries in the human body. Freitas (2009) also predicts
that, with diligent eort, such a nanorobot could be in
existence and operable by the 2020s.
Te purpose of these nanorobots could vary. For example,
one medical nanorobot might be used in the form of a
white blood cell. Its objective would be to seek out any
undesirable pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi
in the bloodstream. A patient could be injected with
about 100 billion microbivores. Tey would hunt for the
Photo 3: Medical applications of nanotechnology include
incredibly small robots called microbivore. Tis illustration
shows a microbivore, which would be made of many molecular-
sized parts such as a power supply, motors, arms, and legs to
move about and complete its tasks. Credit: 2001 Zyvex Corp.
and Robert A. Freitas Jr. (design), additional design Forrest
Bishop. All Rights Reserved
15 TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING TEACHER March 2011
and engineers for years. Individual nano-size building
blocks such as nanotubes, nanosheets, and nanorods are
ultrastrong. But larger materials made out of bonded nano-
size building blocks were comparatively weak (Biomimicry
and Nanotechnology, 2007, p. 1). Kotov explained When you
tried to build something you can hold in your arms, scientists
had diculties transferring the strength of individual
nanosheets or nanotubes to the entire material. Weve
demonstrated that one can achieve almost ideal transfer of
stress between nanosheets and a polymer matrix (p. 1).
Te process of making such a plastic is possible due to the
creation of a special machine that is able to build material
one nanoscale layer after another. In much the same way,
Mother of Pearl, the silver lining of mussel and oyster
shells, is also built layer by layer. It is described as one of
the toughest natural mineral-based materials. Imitating this
same process, the machine uses a robotic arm to take a small
piece of glass, about the size of a stick of gum, and dip it
into a vial containing a glue-like polymer solution and then
into a second vial holding liquid consisting of a dispersion of
clay nanosheets. Once those layers have dried, the process
is repeated. It required 300 layers to create a piece of
material as thick as a sheet of plastic wrap (Biomimicry and
Nanotechnology, 2007).
Kotov (2007) explains that the success of the project is due
to what he refers to as a Velcro Eect, which is created
when the two chemicals are merged on the piece of glass.
Te glue-like polymer is actually polyvinyl alcohol. Tis
substance, combined with the clay nanosheets, allows the
mixture to form cooperative hydrogen bonds. If these bonds
are broken, they are able to reform another bond in a new
place. Tis is one reason why the material is so strong. A
second reason for its unique strength is in the placement of
the bonds. Tey are layered in much the same way as bricks
would be stacked, in an alternating layer (Biomimicry and
Nanotechnology, 2007).
Using much the same technology, National Polymer
Laboratories in Chagrin Falls, OH, are working to create
polymeric materials that are used to enhance the capabilities
of adhesives, coatings, and nanocomposites. Teir materials
can be used to improve adhesion and bonding properties,
barrier properties, re retarding properties, chemical
resistance, dimensional stability, impact resistance,
conductivity, electrostatic discharge, and EMI shielding
(National Polymer Laboratories, nd, para. 3).
Risks of Nanotechnology
While the future of nanotechnology is very promising
and lucrative, it is still a relatively new form of science/
engineering. Consequently, risks are inherent and
unpredictable. Nanotechnology is multiplying its
applicability exponentially. Unfortunately, those who are
researching the social and ethical consequences of the
applications of these studies have been unable to keep up.
Terefore, for many nanotechnology developments, those
risks are still undened.
In regard to the process created by the researchers at
Stanford University for water purication, there lie
questions about unanticipated health eects. Although
initial studies did not reveal a release of mass material from
the coated cotton fabric, it does not mean that over time
there will not be at least trace amounts of carbon nanotubes
(CNTs) and silver nanowires (AgNWs) present. At that
point, it is necessary to know what eect that will have,
particularly on individuals health (Schoen et al., 2010).
Questions concerning the use of nanotechnology in
medicine are also of signicance. To employ microscopic
robotic bugs to inltrate the blood stream and annihilate
foreign intruders in a human may cause many potential
patients to wonder about their safety and predictability.
Questions such as: Can these bugs be absorbed by the
brain? What are the required exposure rates to such
medical robotic bugs? and What will be the level of
damage done? exist in the minds of medical doctors and
patients alike.
Science Daily (2008) published work accomplished by
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHO) describing
a study they have conducted on the eect of the process
of making nanotubes on the environment. Te benets
of carbon nanotubes are exciting. Tey are 10,000 times
thinner than a human hair, stronger than steel, more
durable than a diamond, and they conduct heat and
electricity with eciency that competes with copper wires
and silicon chips. However, the cost to the environment of
creating such technology has not been studied suciently.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers analyzed ten
commercially made carbon nanotubes. Where toxicity
studies done before had assumed that all nanotubes were
the same, this study revealed that the ten nanotubes were
made of dierent compositions. Te signicance of this
study predicts it will now be more dicult to trace the
eects of the carbon nanotubes on the environment. In
studies conducted in the past, these colleagues found that
the process of manufacturing nanotubes resulted in at least
15 aromatic hydrocarbons, including four dierent types
of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons similar to those found
16 TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING TEACHER March 2011
in cigarettes and automobile emissions, being disposed
into the atmosphere. Furthermore, the study found the
waste was not handled eciently. Much of the raw carbon
was unconsumed and disposed into the atmosphere. Te
research will continue to seek further understanding of the
costs of such production on the environment (Science Daily
Sta, 2008).
However, while the risks to the applications of
nanotechnology have yet to be dened, and while the
social and ethical debates about the use of nanotechnology
are still in development, Congress and President Obama
have not taken a back seat in this process. Tese concerns
have become a high priority status. Yet, despite the
undened risks, most Americans aware of nanotechnology
claim to hold a positive attitude toward continued work in
the eld. Tey expect science and nanotechnology to oer
greater benets than risks, and they anticipate new and
better ways to overcome human disease and improve life
(Holley, 2009).
Student Activities
Tere are many STEM connections that can be made
with explorations into the world of nanotechnology. As
we have seen, there are signicant eorts in the eld of
medicine, materials science, manufacturing, and public
health. Nanotechnology is a new science and technology
just beginning to touch the surface for what it has to
oer. Many activities that could be incorporated into the
classroom could be exploratory in nature. Below are a few
suggestions to guide student research.
Understanding the nano scale is dicult to grasp. Ask
students to go to www.nanozone.org/index.htm and click
on the Super Small icon. Students can use the Measure
Yourself ruler to determine how many nanometers they
are. Tis site also oers several interesting activities to
serve as an introduction to nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology has been adopted by several industries.
Students can be divided into groups and asked to pick an
industry and research how that industry has incorporated
nanotechnology to meet its needs. Ask students to prepare
a short presentation describing their results.
NASA has created a nanotechnology video applicable
to Grades K-4 and 5-8. It is found at http://search.nasa.
gov/search/edFilterSearch.jsp?empty=true. To learn
more about the research NASA is completing in regard
to nanotechnology, go to http://search.nasa.gov/search/
search.jsp?nasaInclude= nanotechnology.
Interactive websites are also available for teachers to
provide students fun and interesting ways to learn more
about nanotechnology. Te National Nanotechnology
Initiative, found at www.nano.gov/html/edu/eduk12.
html, oers several links through its Education Center.
Te University of Wisconsin-Madison has also created
a nanotechnology kit to help with instruction. Teacher
Modules can be downloaded from its site at www.mrsec.
wisc.edu/Edetc/supplies/kit/index.html to accompany
the kit.
Summary
Nanotechnology opens the door to an exciting new science/
technology/engineering eld. Te possibilities for the uses
of this technology should inspire the imagination to think
big. Many are already pursuing such feats through medical
research in cancer treatment options and environmental
eorts to aid in water purication and environmental
protection. Risks associated with this technology have yet to
be discovered. Consequently, it is imperative that we handle
the new information we learn daily with responsibility and
care. We must be cautious to not allow our enthusiasm for
the potential of great accomplishments to come at the cost
of what we have already gained.
Photo 4: Concerns arise about the ability to control nanoparticles
once they are admitted into the bloodstream. Tis illustration
demonstrates the possibility of nanoparticles passing into the
brain. Credit: Provided by How Stu Works. Retrieved from
www.howstuworks.com/nanotechnology.htm/printable
17 TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING TEACHER March 2011
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Amanda S. Roberts is a Ph.D. student
in the Department of STEM Education
and Professional Studies at Old Dominion
University studying teaching methodologies
for STEM education. Amanda can be
reached at arobe048@odu.edu.
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