Learner holds up an atomic structure model of graphene

Carbon

Elemental carbon has many different structural forms including graphite, diamond, carbon nanotubes and buckyballs. The arrangement of atoms at the nanoscale dramatically impacts a material’s macroscale properties and behavior. Hands-on activities explore: observable phenomena such as conductivity of graphite; molecular model-building of different forms; and how new technology may affect society.

Activities and Programs

Children's hands exploring electrical conductivity with wires using cloth printed with graphene ink showing carbon structure model

Exploring Materials - Graphene

In this activity, learners will use tape and graphite to make graphene and test the conductivity of graphite.
A molecular model of graphene

Nobel Winning Experiment

In this O Wow Moments video, Mr. O re-creates a Nobel Prize winning experiment with graphene.
A person inside of a balloon model of a carbon nanotube.

Balloon Nanotubes (Giant Hanging Model)

In this activity, learners use a balloon model to observe how the carbon atoms are arranged in a carbon nanotube
Group of students building a carbon nanotube model out of balloons

Balloon Nanotubes Tabletop

In this activity, learners build a model of carbon nanotubes out of balloons to explore the material's structure and properties.
Faciltator showing physical models of carbon to a visitor at a NanoDays event

Forms of Carbon

In this activity, learners interact with models of four different forms of carbon to explore how the nanoscale arrangement of atoms dramatically impacts a material’s macroscale behavior.
Young learner in a purple jacket assembles a nanotube model made of plastic rods and spheres

Nanotube Models

In this activity, learners will be able to use Molecular Visions model kits to build carbon nanotubes.
Two learners and one facilitator look and discuss a space elevator concept that one of the learners drew on paper

Exploring Nano & Society - Space Elevator

In this activity, learners imagine and draw what a space elevator might look like, what support systems would surround it, and what other technologies it might enable.
Paper Buckyball structure being folded into shape

Exploring Structures - Buckyballs

In this activity, learners fold up a precut shape to make a model of a buckyball.
A person using thin slice of graphite to cut ice.

Exploring Properties - Heat Transfer

In this activity, learners investigate how quickly heat is transferred through two different materials.
Small science big deal table sign

Nanotechnology: Small Science, Big Deal!

This longer activity combines multiple NanoDays activities with a companion side presentation about nanotechnology.

Presentations and Stage Programs

Poster showing the different forms fo carbon molecules

World of Carbon Nanotubes Stage Presentation and Posters

Poster and slide presentation on carbon nanotubes.
Title slide for the presentation showing a computer chip

The Future of Computing

In this stage presentation, learners are asked to consider how smaller, faster, better computers in the future might impact their lives after a short presentation.
Field of solar panels

Tiny Solutions to Our Big Energy Problem

In this stage presentation, learners hear a brief overview of energy sources and our current energy crisis and discusses a variety of ways that nanotechnology can improve the situation.

Posters

Poster illustration a zoomed image from graphene pencil line down to the molecular level

Zoom into a Pencil Line of Graphene with an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) - Illustration

This poster feature zoomed images of a pencil line down to the molecular level.
Poster showing the different forms fo carbon molecules

World of Carbon Nanotubes Stage Presentation and Posters

Poster and slide presentation on carbon nanotubes.

Build a Giant Carbon Nanotube Exhibit

Birdseye view of Nano exhibition with visitors.

Nano Mini-Exhibition

Nano is an interactive, small footprint exhibition that engages family audiences in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology.
Birdseye view of Nano exhibition with visitors.

Nano Mini-Exhibition host resources

Nano is an interactive, small footprint exhibition that engages family audiences in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology.

Scientific Images and Molecular Models

Scientific Image - Buckyball models

Vector illustrations of ball-and-stick models of a buckyball.

Scientific Image - Diamond models

Vector illustrations of ball-and-stick models of a diamond structure.

Scientific Image - Nanotube models

Vector illustrations of ball and stick models of carbon nanotube structures.

Scientific Image - Graphene models

Vector illustrations of ball-and-stick models of a graphene structure.

Scientific Image - Graphite models

Vector illustrations of ball and stick models of a graphite structure.

Scientific Image - Graphite Flakes

Magnified image of graphite flakes using a Scanning Electron Microscope.

Scientific Image - Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Yarn

Magnified image of nanotube yarn fibers using a Scanning Electron Microscope.

Scientific Image - Singlewalled Nanotube Paper

Magnified image of singlewalled nanotubes using a Scanning Electron Microscope.

Scientific Image - Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Yarn

Magnified image of multiwalled carbon nanotube yarn using a Scanning Electron Microscope.
Magnified image of nanotubes mimicking gecko feet using a Scanning Electron Microscope.

Scientific Image - Nanotubes Mimicking Gecko Feet

Magnified image of nanotubes mimicking gecko feet using a Scanning Electron Microscope.

Blog posts

Carbon Nanotube, Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum

Carbon Bonds: Clarifying Confusion with the “Build a Giant Carbon Nanotube” model in the Nano mini-exhibition

January 22, 2016
Christina Leavell
We have received questions asking why there aren't four bonds for each carbon atom in the "Build a Giant Carbon Nanotube" component of the Nano mini-exhibition.

Energy Use and Climate Change

Battery Stack activity components

Energy

A compilation of energy public engagement resources and activities; topics focus on energy sources, transmission, and storage including: electricity, solar photovoltaic panels, batteries, electromagnetic spectrum, and transmission using graphene. Also included are resources for annual events including Static Electricity Day, Nuclear Science Week, Earth Day, and National Chemistry Week
Cumulonimbus cloud over Africa

Climate & Weather

A compilation of climate and weather public engagement and professional learning resources for informal science educators.
NASA Satellite photo of the Korean peninsula

Air Quality

A compilation of educational resources and activities about air, air quality, and pollution.

More Resources