Nanoscience – question bank

An inquiry approach is a method often used in science education. The question bank provides an initial list of questions about nanoscience and places where their answers can be found.

The article Nanoscience – introduction has links to further resources and student activities.

Q. Does ‘nano’ just mean small?

• Nanometres and nanoscale

Q. Can you actually see an atom?

• Seeing atoms

• Electron microscopes

Q. Will I need to be concerned about nanoparticles getting into my body?

• Quantum dots and medical research

• Social issues and nanotechnology

• Quantum dots against cancer

Q. How do you make things you can’t see?

• New nanoparticle shapes

• Making gold nanoparticles in micelles

• Surfactants at work

Q. Can nanotechnology help to protect the environment?

• Gold nanoparticles from plants

• Electrocatalysts for future fuels

• Catalytic converters and platinum nanoparticles

Q. What sort of scientists do nanoscience?

• Dr Ben Ruck

• Prof John Spencer

• Prof Richard Haverkamp

• Dr Richard Tilley

• The buzz of being first

Q. Nanoscience is hot science – but how new is it?

• Michael Faraday and nanotechnology

• From Faraday to nanotubes – timeline

Q. Is nanoscience just about physics and chemistry?

• Scientists working together

Q. Is nanotechnology useful now, or is it a thing of the future?

• New nanoparticle shapes

• Electrocatalysts for future fuels

• Quantum dots and medical research

• Catalytic converters and platinum nanoparticles