Cutting it Down to Nano

NISE Network

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This simple activity uses paper and scissors to convey two key concepts to learners: the nanoscale is very small and working on the nanoscale requires special tools. Learners are challenged to cut a strip of paper in half repeatedly as many times as possible. Can they get to the nanoscale?

Preparation Time:: 10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:: 10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:: 1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:: Ages 6 - adult
Resource Types:: Activity, Demonstration, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:: English

Materials List (per student)

A strip of paper (dimensions 150mm x 5mm, or 5.9” x 0.2”)
“Cutting It Down to Nano” worksheet
Ruler
Pen or pencil
Calculator
Tape

Keywords

Subjects

Engineering and Technology
- Engineering
  - Nanotechnology
Mathematics
- Measurement
  - Units of Measurement
  - Size and Scale

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

see
touch

Learning styles supported:

Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Programs and Activities

Access Rights:

Free access

By:

Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network; Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Rights:

Creative Commons: Non-commercial Share Alike (by-nc-sa), NISE NET,

Funding Sources:

National Science Foundation, 0532536
National Science Foundation, 0940143