This document summarizes how nanotechnology can be incorporated into a high school curriculum to address science teaching standards. It discusses how various nanotechnology concepts relate to standards around physical science, engineering, and ethics. It then provides examples of hands-on nanotechnology activities and experiments that could be done in the classroom, such as constructing dye-sensitized solar cells. The document concludes by thanking those involved in funding the nanotechnology education initiatives.

1. Nanotechnology in the High School Curriculum: From Energy Conversion to Science Ethics Kenneth Bowles Apopka High School NSF: NANOPAC REU Site Host: AMPAC-UCF REU (RET) Nanotechnology Symposium 23 July 2004 12-2:30 PM

6. Does Nanotechnology Address Teaching Standards? i Personal and Community Health, Population Growth, Environmental Quality, Natural and human-induced hazards Nanocoatings resistive to bacteria and pollution Conservation of Energy and increase in disorder (entropy), Interactions of energy and matter, Natural Resources Nanocrystalline Solar Cells Motion and Forces, Abilities of technological design, Understanding about science and technology Shape Memory Alloys Chemical Reactions Synthesis of nanomaterials and support chemistry (space propulsion) Structure and properties of matter, Personal and Community Health Nanomaterials have a high surface area (nanosensors for toxins) Structure of Atoms The idea of “Nano” – being small Standard it can address Nanotechnology Idea

7. Does Nanotechnology Address Teaching Standards? Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges, Science as a human endeavor, Historical perspective, Natural and human-induced hazards, Population Growth, Personal and Community Health Nanotechnology and Science Ethics Science as a human endeavor, Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges Nanocosmetics and nanoclothing Science as a human endeavor, Nature of scientific knowledge, Historical perspective Richard P. Feynman’s talk, “There is plenty of room at the bottom”. Feynman had a vision. Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges Nanomaterials, such as MR (magneto-resistive) fluids in security Standard it can address Nanotechnology Idea

20. Using the Cell to Measure the Time Constant for an RC Circuit Materials: solar cell, Logger Pro, Graphical Analysis for Windows, Vernier LabPro, Voltage/Current probe, Pasco RC Circuit Board

21. Using the Cell to Measure the Time Constant for an RC Circuit Capacitor Basics: V(t) = terminal voltage,  = EMF ( maximum voltage) , t = time, R = resistance(15K  , C = capacitance(1000  F)  = time constant = RC =(15x10 3 )(1000x10 -6 )=15 seconds Equation for discharging a Capacitor

22. Using the Cell to Measure the Time Constant for an RC Circuit Re-arranging the equation algebraically to represent the slope formula. What this basically says is that if you plot the natural log of the ratio of potentials versus the time the slope will equal the inverse of the time constant for this particular RC circuit .

23. Using the Cell to Measure the Time Constant for an RC Circuit The capacitor was first fully charged then allowed to discharge. The EMF was determine to be The voltage at t=0. Using the examine function we can get various voltage and time data points from the graph. The natural log function can then be applied mathematically.

24. Using the Cell to Measure the Time Constant for an RC Circuit For a normal 1.5 V battery For the solar cell

25. Using the Cell to Measure the Time Constant for an RC Circuit For the solar cell For the battery Conclusion: The nanocrystalline solar cell could easily be used in a physics classroom to study capacitors as well as introduce the idea of harnessing the sun’s energy using nanotechnology.

31. Special Thanks Dr. Sudipta Seal- Nano Initiative Coordinator for UCF – NSF REU(RET) Site Funding Dr. Kumar and Dr. Peterson – UCF Mechanical, Materials & Aerospace Engineering –NSF RET Site Funding Dr. Aldrin Sweeney – UCF College of Education AMPAC Karen Glidewell - AMPAC Administrative Offices