Alternative activities

Have a look at other activities on nanoscience that can be used in the classroom.

Debate with a Difference: Nanotechnology is designed to give participants aged 14–19 an appreciation of the different issues and viewpoints surrounding the development and use of nanotechnology. Students work in groups on different tasks to investigate the major scientific and ethical issues, and to engage in focused conversations and debates on the topic. The activities encourage participants to form and explain their own views and feelings, instead of choosing a 'right' answer.

'Team tasks' can be completed individually or in any sequence as class or small group activities, and each lasts about 10–20 minutes. These activities are appropriate as an introduction to the topic, and include the characteristics of the nanoscale, understanding the difference between nanoscience and nanotechnology, and some of the existing and proposed applications.

'Pair tasks' can be completed individually or in any sequence as class or small group activities, and each lasts about 30–40 minutes. These activities assume a basic understanding of nanotechnology, and are designed to explore associated issues such as civil liberties, the role of nanoscience in medicine, allocation of resources, manufacturing methods and the roots of the nanotechnology debates.

Developed by ecsite-uk, the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry and the Centre for Life, and funded by Small Talk.

See the Science Discovery Clubs Network (SciZmic) website to download a trial version of the game.

Duckboy in Nanoland

An interactive activity developed by the Science Museum as part of their Nanotechnology: small science, big deal exhibition.