Nano Latch-n-Catch

Arizona Science Center

In this activity, learners design a therapeutic agent to image and/or cure various diseases in the respiratory system. First, learners define types of diseased cells or disease-causing microbes by the receptors (shapes) on their surfaces. Learners then create model "nanocapsules" that can match diseased cells, or disease-causing microbes, by their unique receptors. Learners introduce their engineered nanocapsules into a model of infected lung tissue to "detect" infected cells and specifically destroy them. Learners will discuss a future when this technology could be used to fight infections.[Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]

Note: there are two versions of this activity--Version A (Pg 6) is appropriate for learners in grades 1-3 and Version B (Pg 11) is appropriate for learners in grades 4-6.

Preparation Time:: 10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:: 30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:: Over $20 per group of students
Age Range:: Ages 6 - 14
Resource Types:: Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
Language:: English

Materials List (per group of students)

Four cell surface domes
Table signs “Patient 1,” “Patient 2,” “Patient 3,” and “Patient 4”
Four containers of mixed antibodies (16 per container)
Oversized nanocapsule that the receptors attach to in order to
demonstrate how therapeutic nanocapsules are labeled
Four gray magnetic antibodies
Four cell mazes to demonstrate how the nanocapsules specifically attach to abnormal cells and disperse medicine
Whiteboard, easels (2)
X-ray Comparison (laminated): normal vs. respiratory diseases
Nano Latch ‘n’ Catch Diagnosis Manual
Nano Latch ‘n’ Catch Observation Sheets
Word Wall, Cell Maze, and Receptor Posters
Artist’s Nanomedicine Renderings
Pipe Cleaners or Conical Coffee Filters
Colored pencils
Scotch Tape (several per table)

Keywords

Subjects

Engineering and Technology
- Engineering
  - Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering
  - Nanotechnology
- Technology
  - Agriculture and Biotechnology
Life Sciences
- Cells
  - Cell Structure and Function
- Heredity and Genetics
  - DNA Structure and Function
- Human Body
  - Health and Nutrition
  - Medicine
  - Respiration
  - Immune System
Physical Sciences
- Chemistry
The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
  - Conducting Investigations
  - Gathering Data
  - Formulating Explanations
  - Communicating Results
- Science as a Career
The Nature of Technology
- Technology and Society
  - Impacts of Technology

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

see
see color
read
touch

Learning styles supported:

Involves teamwork and communication skills
Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Nano Latch n' Catch Background Information

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

Page 13

Access Rights:

Free access

By:

Arizona Science Center

Rights:

Funding Source:

Science Education Partnership Award, National Institutes of Health

Source Institutions

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