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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

DESCRIPTION

"Nanotube Balloons" is a large display made of balloons that can be used to draw visitors to a program on nanotechnology. Visitors observe how the carbon atoms are arranged in a carbon nanotube. The nanotube balloon model can be pre-constructed by museum staff, or visitors can help to build it. The balloon structure provides an intriguing hook for other programs, like "Forms of Carbon" or the "World of Carbon Nanotubes".

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  • A person inside of a balloon model of a carbon nanotube.
  • Inside of a balloon model of a carbon nanotube looking up.
  • People discussing a balloon model of a carbon nanotube
  • A long balloon model of a carbon nanotube hanging from the ceiling.
  • A person inside of a balloon model of a carbon nanotube.
  • Inside of a balloon model of a carbon nanotube looking up.
  • People discussing a balloon model of a carbon nanotube
  • A long balloon model of a carbon nanotube hanging from the ceiling.

DESCRIPTION

"Nanotube Balloons" is a large display made of balloons that can be used to draw visitors to a program on nanotechnology. Visitors observe how the carbon atoms are arranged in a carbon nanotube. The nanotube balloon model can be pre-constructed by museum staff, or visitors can help to build it. The balloon structure provides an intriguing hook for other programs, like "Forms of Carbon" or the "World of Carbon Nanotubes".

JUMP TO BROWSE RELATED RESOURCES

TRAINING VIDEOS

OBJECTIVES

BIG IDEA

A carbon nanotube is a form of carbon with an interesting structure and unique properties.

LEARNING GOALS

  • Carbon nanotubes are nanoscale molecules with an hexagonal structure.

NANO CONTENT MAP

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

Credits

YEAR CREATED
2008
OWNING INSTITUTION

University of Wisconsin-Madison Materials Research Science and Engineering Center

FUNDING

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.

PERMISSIONS

Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike 3.0 United States (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 US).
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DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

NISE Network products are developed through an iterative collaborative process that includes scientific review, peer review, and visitor evaluation in accordance with an inclusive audiences approach. Products are designed to be easily edited and adapted for different audiences under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike license. To learn more, visit our Development Process page.