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In this activity, learners explore how nanosized structures can create brilliant color. Learners examine Blue Morpho butterflies in the light and discover what happens when they put a drop of alcohol on a butterfly's wing. Learners discover that some wings get their color from the nanoscale structures on the wings instead of pigments.
- Under 5 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- Over $20 per group of students
- Ages 6 - adult
- Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Blue Morpho butterfly specimen
- Brightly-lit window or light box
- Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
- Eyedropper
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Nanotechnology
-
Engineering
-
Life Sciences
-
Diversity of Life
- Animals
-
Ecology
- Biodiversity
-
Diversity of Life
-
Mathematics
-
Measurement
- Size and Scale
-
Measurement
-
Physical Sciences
- Vibration and Waves
-
Light and Optics
- Reflection and Refraction
- Sunlight and Color
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Animals
- Nature and Environment
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:
- All rights reserved, Sciencenter, 2012
Funding Sources:
- National Science Foundation, 0532536
- National Science Foundation, 0940143