Grades 7-12: Nanoscale Science And the Future of Food


Content Provider Boonshoft Museum of Discovery 2009-10 Honorable Mention
Contact Information Liz Landis
llandis@boonshoftmuseum.org
2600 DeWeese Parkway
Dayton, OH 45414
United States
Phone: (937) 275-7431 ext. 156
Program Type Individual Program
Program Rating This program has not yet been evaluated.
Target Audience Education: Grade(s): 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Adult Learners, Public Library: Library Patrons
Maximum Number of Participants 30
Minimum Number of Participants 1
Primary Disciplines Community Interests, Family & Consumer Science, Industrial Technology, Leadership, Problem Solving, Sciences, Technology/Information Science
Secondary Disciplines Character Education, Gifted & Talented, Health/Physical Education, Language Arts/English, Social Studies/History
Program Description One of the most exciting new realms of science is super small. Nanoscale science is the study of stuff that is on the scale of 1 billionth of a meter. This is the scale of atoms and small molecules. It is on this scale that scientists are coming up with ways to solve important problems in healthcare, food, materials science, computing, and more. There are also ethical concerns around nanotechnologies. What happens to the living organisms that inevitably consume nano particles? Who will regulate their manufacture?

In this class, students will learn about how changing things on the very small scale can change the nature of large objects by doing hands on activities and watching compelling demonstrations about nanotechnology and the food they eat. Students will also be engaged in a conversation about the ethics of nano scale science and engineering.
Program Format 1.The class will begin with an introduction to the presenter and the museum.
2.Students will give their impressions of Nanotechnology
3.The presenter will give an overview of nanotechnology using slides, pictures, an demonstrations
4.Students will engage in a participatory experiments showing how nanotechnology is used in food and food packaging.
5.The presenter will lead a conversation about the ethics of nanotechnology using real life examples.
Objectives During the session, students will:
Delve into the world of the nanoscale, where physical forces act differently
Think critically about factual versus fictional nano scale science
Explore new applications of nanotechnology, specifically around food and agriculture.

As a result of this session, participants should understand that:
Nanoscale science deals with matter that is too small to see
Nanotechnology is an emerging science with applications in biology, chemistry, and physics
Ordinary people have important roles in making decisions about science and technology
National Standards to which this program aligns Please request standards for your state.
Program Length 45 minutes or 1 hour
By Request This program is available by request ONLY
Date/Time Notes The museum opens at 9:00 am EST and closes at 5:00 pm EST. We offer program during this time frame.
Connection Type(s) Available and Program Fees By Request Cost: $150.00
Cancellation Policy We will not charge for programs cancelled due to nature i.e. snow days. The full fee will be charged to sites which cancel with less than 48 hours notice.
Is recording allowed? No
The Provider broadcasts over IP
Minimum Technology Specifications for sites connecting to this provider Sites can connect to the Boonshoft directly via IP - all other connections (ISDN, IHETS, Vision Athena) must be bridged.

Boonshoft can connect from 384 kbps up to 3 mbps speed.

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