Exploring the Nanoworld with LEGO Bricks: Structures at the Nanoscale

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In this activity (pages 7-16), learners model various crystal structures with LEGOs. This activity also contains additional links that explain how to create other crystal structures. This activity helps learners to understand crystal structures. The LEGO bricks, with their many colors and points of connection, are excellent tools for demonstrating the nanostructure or even the atomic-level structure of solids. Educators may also be interested in a solid state model kit produced by the Institute for Chemical Education (ICE), which uses spheres of different sizes in a Solid State Model Kit to create three-dimensional structures.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • LEGO blocks of different sizes and colors

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
      • Nanotechnology
  • Physical Sciences
    • States of Matter
      • Solids
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Atomic Structure

Informal Categories

  • Model Building
  • Toys

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • LEGO Dacta