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Toxic socks: nanotechnology, ethics and society | 11–14 years

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Example pages from teacher notes, student worksheet and character cards that make up this resource

Source: © Royal Society of Chemistry

Use the example of nanotechnology in socks to introduce ethics in science with this structured practice debate

This activity offers a structured practice debate on a controversial topic – the use of nanosilver particles in socks. The different rounds of the debate help learners think through the issues and reconsider their opinions. The structure also shows them how to build a discussion and back up their opinions with facts.

Including teacher notes with a lesson plan and advice for differentiation; a student sheet and character cards this resource has the following learning objectives:

1 Practise discussing and debating issues and expressing an opinion.

2 Listen to or defend a point of view that may be different to your own.

3 Understand more of the technical, physiological, social and ethical issues around nanoparticles.

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