DNA Nanotechnology

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Overview
Standards
Resources
Evaluations
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Overview

Description:

“DNA Nanotechnology” is a facilitated, hands-on activity exploring deoxyribonucleic acid, a nanoscale structure that occurs in nature. Visitors extract a sample of DNA from split peas and put it in an Eppendorf tube to take home. They learn that nanoscientists study DNA to understand its biological function, and that they also use it to make other nanoscale materials and devices.

Objectives

Big Idea:

Researchers in the field of nanotechnology use DNA, a nanoscale structure present in the cells of every living thing, to make tiny shapes and patterns.

Learning goals:

DNA is in the cells of every living thing.
DNA helps cells to grow and do their jobs.
DNA is a nanoscale material: it’s only 2 nanometers across.
Nano is very, very small.
Nanoscientists learn about and make things that are too small to see.
Researchers are studying DNA in order to understand its biological function. They are applying that knowledge in fields such as medicine.
Researchers in the field of nanotechnology are also exploring how DNA can be used as a raw material to create new materials and technologies.
Nanoscale effects occur in many places. Some are natural, everyday occurrences; others are the result of cutting-edge research.
Nanotechnology means working at small size scales, manipulating materials to exhibit new properties.

NISE Net Content Map:

Nanometer-sized things are very small, and often behave differently than larger things do.

Scientists and engineers have formed the interdisciplinary field of nanotechnology by investigating properties and manipulating matter at the nanoscale.

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

Universal design:

Repeat and reinforce main ideas and concepts.

Provide multiple entry points and multiple ways of engagement

Provide physical and sensory access to all aspects of the program. Visitors can touch, see and hear different elements of the program.

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.

Checklist

Scientist reviewed? check_reviewed

Peer reviewed? check_reviewed

Visitor evaluation? check_reviewed

Nano Topics

Bio and medicine, Fundamentals

Audience

7 and up

Permissions

Creative Commons
Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike

Standards

Life science:

K-4: Characteristics of organisms

K-4: Life cycles of organisms

5-8: Reproduction and heredity

5-8: Structure and function in living systems

9-12: Molecular basis of heredity

9-12: The cell

Physical science:

K-4: Properties of objects and materials

5-8: Properties and changes of properties in matter

9-12: Chemical reactions

9-12: Structure and properties of matter

9-12: Structure of atoms

Science and Technology:

K-4: Abilities of technological design

K-4: Abilities to distinguish between natural objects and objects made by humans

K-4: Understanding about science and technology

5-8: Abilities of technological design

5-8: Understanding about science and technology

9-12: Abilities of technological design

9-12: Understanding about science and technology

Science as inquiry:

K-4: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry

K-4: Understanding about scientific inquiry

5-8: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry

5-8: Understanding about scientific inquiry

9-12: Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry

9-12: Understanding about scientific inquiry

Resources

Download all files (ZIP)

Files:

DNA Nanotechnology Lesson Plan (editable version)

DNA Nanotechnology Lesson Plan

DNA Nanotechnology Guide (editable version)

DNA Nanotechnology Guide

DNA Nanotechnology Presentation

Evaluations

DNA: Exploring Nanostructures

Multiple studies were carried out to assess the effectiveness of the NanoDays activity DNA: Exploring Nanostructures. The Sciencenter and the Science Museum of Minnesota surveyed visitors after they participated in the activity. Read more

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