Atoms and nanochemistry

In this set of activities, students develop their understanding of a variety of key concepts relating to chemistry at an atomic level. Designed for 11–16 year olds, the resources draw on a range of stimulating contexts and feature practical experiments and demonstrations, model-building, presentations and other activities. Inspire your students while exploring:

• The size and scale of atoms
• How imaging techniques like the scanning tunnelling microscope allow us to ‘see’ and manipulate atoms
• The structure and properties of carbon nanotubes
• Applications of nanochemistry

Each activity includes instructions for students, as well as editable worksheets and resources available for download.

1. It’s a small world: introducing atoms

Summary

In this activity, students think about the size and scale of atoms by using a table to compare them with other small things. They identify objects visible to the human eye, as well as some things that we know about even though we cannot see them directly. They then consider what these things are made up of and what that can tell us about how small atoms really are.

Additional handouts explore powers of ten and compare different units of measurement and their notation, from terametres (large) to attometres (small).

2. Atomic paper clips

Summary

Students watch a teacher demonstration inviting them to imagine they can see atoms with their eyes. They then work through a series of questions to help them interpret the demonstration, providing the opportunity to develop and apply their understanding of atoms as the smallest parts of elements.

3. Tasty particles

Summary

In this practical experiment, students mix water, sugar and lemon juice and use taste tests to explore the behaviour of particles in diffusion. They then answer a short series of questions to reflect on their results and consider what the experiment can tell them about the particles involved.

4. Seeing atoms

Summary

Students look at images of atoms captured and manipulated using a scanning tunnelling microscope (STM). For each image, students answer questions to develop and apply their understanding of atoms and their structure, from exploring their relative size to considering the behaviour of electrons.

Additional handouts provide further informaton about the scanning tunnelling microscope and how STM images are produced.

5. Investigating nanotubes

Summary

This resource includes three related activities exploring the properties and uses of nanotubes.

Carbon and its various forms

Students learn about how carbon nanotubes were first discovered and work through a series of questions to explore their structure and composition.

Modelling nanotubes

Students reinforce their knowledge of zig-zag and chiral nanotubes while creating their own nanotube models using the grids provided.

Combining nanotubes

Students look at images, construct a model and answer questions to develop their understanding of how nanotubes can act as diodes, forming essential components in microchip circuits. An additional handout includes a large image for use with the activity, and an extension gives students the opportunity to further explore what happens when nanotubes are combined.

Note: the extension uses the ‘Getting down to nanometres’ handout included with the resources for ‘It’s a small world’ above.

6. There’s plenty of room at the bottom

Summary

In this activity, students read an extract from a talk delivered by physicist Richard Feynman in 1959. In his talk, Feynman describes the future he imagines for science done at an atomic level, and hints at the development of what we would now call nanochemistry. After reading the extract, students answer questions to check their understanding and compare Feynman’s vision with what they now know about nanoscience.

Additional resource

Download this key words handout to help students consolidate their understanding of terms relating to nanotubes and their use in microchip circuits.