Exploring Size: Scented Solutions

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
This is an activity in which learners will find that they can detect differences in concentration better with their nose (smelling) than with their eyes (seeing). Our sense of smell allows us to experience nanometer-sized things (scent molecules, or esters) that are too small to see with our eyes. By sniffing a series of diluted scent solutions, learners discover that nano-sized particles may be too small to see, but they're not too small to smell! This activity is great for NanoDays celebration, but can be used on its own.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per group of students)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Nanotechnology
  • Life Sciences
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Smell
      • Vision
  • Mathematics
    • Measurement
      • Size and Scale
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Solutions
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • smell

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0532536
  • National Science Foundation, 0940143