Invisible Sunblock

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Overview

Description:

"Invisible Sunblock" is a hands-on activity exploring how nano-scale particles are used in mineral sunblocks to increase their transparency. Visitors compare nano and non-nano sunblocks to a visual representation of the effect of particle size on visibility.

Objectives

Big Idea:

The use of nanoparticles in sunblock is one of the most common applications of nanotechnology, yet most consumers don't know about it due to the lack of regulatory guidelines.

Learning goals:

Nanoscale particles in sunblock are invisible because they are smaller than the wavelength of visible light.
Current research shows that sunblocks containing nanoparticles are generally safe to use on healthy skin.

NISE Net Content Map:

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

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

Nanotechnologies have costs, risks, and benefits that affect our lives in ways we cannot always predict.

Universal design:

Repeat and reinforce main ideas and concepts.

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.