Introduction
At the phenomenal moment of conception, all of us had a deceptively large one hundred thousand nanometer (100,000 nm) waistline. However, this seemingly large number becomes obviously small when we translate it into inches, a more familiar unit of length. The diameter of a fertilized ovum or zygote, which is how we are classified at conception, is merely 0.00394 inches. Yet, there is incredible complexity embedded within this microscopic structure. Designs for every component and process in the body are contained within this seed. An astounding number of water molecules, barely 0.3 nm each, are destined to comprise the fluid medium in which these magnificent components and intricate processes interact.
Inviting students to peer into the invisible world of cells, organelles, molecules, atoms, ions, and various chemical substances is often met with disinterest and resistance. It is a challenge to get students to buy into subject matter that they cannot see or connect to their other senses. Chemistry is an intimidating subject for many students. Yet, an entire realm of fascinating and indispensable phenomena exists on this minute structural level. We have to figure out effective ways to capture our student's attention and inspire them to appreciate science.
One of the primary reasons for teaching this unit is to foster a basic understanding of nanotechnology and its applications in the field of chemistry, as it relates to water pollution and purification. Nanotechnology, the study of the properties and processes of matter on the 1 to 100 nm level of structural organization, is an emerging science that offers teachers and students an opportunity to learn about matter from a unique perspective. I am particularly interested in guiding my students through an investigation of the quality of drinking water, as well as the applications of nanotechnology to water purification.
There are multiple reasons to be concerned about the quality of our drinking water. I recently watched a fascinating documentary about the decaying infrastructure of our nation's water supply. The movie entitled Liquid Assets made me keenly aware of the potential dangers of our antiquated water delivery system. Most citizens are unaware of this impending crisis. Yet, the forecast for clean drinking water in the near future is bleak. By 2025, our thirst for clean water could very well be the cause of global conflicts, societal strive, and even wars over this valuable natural resource. 1
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