Aerogel

Overview
Standards
Resources
Evaluations
Comments

Overview

Description:

This cart demonstration introduces the nanomaterial aerogel, a glass nanofoam. Visitors learn how aerogel is made, how well it insulates, and learn about its other unique properties. They see real aerogel and feel how well it insulates.

Objectives

Big Idea:

Aerogels use tiny spheres of glass to trap air, giving the material amazing new properties.

Learning goals:

Aerogel is a product of nanotechnology.
Aerogel is a great insulator, used in a few special applications.
Aerogel was invented in the 1930s, but wasn't used much until new applications were developed.
Many materials exhibit startling properties at the nanoscale.

NISE Net Content Map:

Nanoscience, nanotechnology, and nanoengineering lead to new knowledge and innovations that weren't possible before.

Universal design:

Provide multiple entry points and multiple ways of engagement

Credits

Developed for the NISE Network with funding from the National Science Foundation under Award Numbers 0532536 and 0940143. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this product are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation.

Owning institution:

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

Checklist

Scientist reviewed? check_reviewed

Peer reviewed? check_reviewed

Visitor evaluation? check_reviewed

Nano Topics

Materials, tools, and applications

Audience

7 and up

Permissions

Creative Commons
Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike

Standards

History and nature of science:

K-4: Science as a human endeavor

5-8: Science as a human endeavor

9-12: Historical perspectives

9-12: Science as a human endeavor

Physical science:

K-4: Light, heat, electricity, and magnetism

K-4: Properties of objects and materials

5-8: Properties and changes of properties in matter

5-8: Transfer of energy

9-12: Structure and properties of matter

Science and Technology:

K-4: Understanding about science and technology

5-8: Understanding about science and technology

9-12: Understanding about science and technology

Resources

Download all files (ZIP)

Files:

Aerogel Lesson Plan

Aerogel Presentation

Links:

Aerogel Training Video

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Video:

Evaluations

This product does not have any linked evaluations.