Nanotechnology and Human Health

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 10.05.01

  1. Unit Guide
  1. Introduction
  2. Student Background
  3. Rationale
  4. Unit Course Objectives
  5. Unit Background Part One- What is the significance of size?
  6. Background Information Part 2- Nanotechnology and its applications
  7. Unit Implementation Strategies
  8. Lesson #1 Measurement and Size Relativity
  9. Lesson #2 Biology and Scaling
  10. Summary
  11. Bibliography
  12. Appendix A- Materials for Lesson #1
  13. Appendix B- Materials for Lesson #2 - 1.The Biology of B- Movie Monsters Questions
  14. 2. Build a Monster Activity
  15. Appendix C- Nanotechnology and its Applications Resources
  16. Appendix D- Suggested media relating to size, if time permits in your lesson planning:

The Relative Nature of Size in Biological Sciences: Let's Start Small and Work Our Way Up

Conchita LaShay Austin

Published September 2010

Tools for this Unit:

Rationale

My purpose of creating this unit is to introduce several basic concepts in Biology as they relate to size as well as introduce some practical applications of nanotechnology as it relates to the lesson I already teach on biotechnology. I frequently have had difficulty in assisting my students in understanding the concept and relationship of size, especially as it relates to the metric system specifically, and size relativity of all living organisms in general. Many of my students are unaware of the most basic comparisons, such as the conversion of objects from millimeters to meters. They have difficulty with the mathematics of the conversion, and they likewise have difficulty conceptualizing the relationship between what is considered large and what is considered very, very small. I realize that if they have difficulty relating to measurements, which represent macroscopic objects, then it is understandable that they have even more difficulty with visualizing and relating to the vast microscopic world.

I am also excited about introducing my students to the science of nanotechnology. During the course of the semester, I discuss with my students various technologies—including biotechnologies used by scientists in the field of Biology such as recombinant DNA, cloning, and genetic engineering. During our discussion of these topics, I also want to relate the nature of what nanotechnology is and some of the practical applications that are being developed and utilized at this current time. Upon the completion of this unit, I want my students to be able to recognize these concepts and be able to apply this knowledge effectively as we discuss the structure, function, adaptation, evolution, and interconnectedness of all living organisms in our biosphere throughout the entire course. As a result of teaching this unit, I want to be able to introduce some of the models and concepts which not enhance what we will be covering in this course, but will form background knowledge for the courses my students will take after Biology such as Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, and Anatomy.

Comments:

Be the first to comment on this unit!

Add a Comment

Characters Left: 500

Unit Survey
Feedback