Nano-Activities for Kids

Nano-Gold

nanogold experiment in the making

The following activities are related to the Nanogold for Cancer Therapy Demonstration that is part of a museum show developed by The Franklin Institute in collaboration with MRSEC.

Nanogold is used in clinical trails to treat cancer, especially small cancers in the head area. The nanogold can be injected into the body. Once in the bloodstream the nanogold particles will stick to the cancerous cells. Next, the nanogold is bombarded with a near-infrared laser, killing the cancerous cells and leaving the healthy cells unharmed. The activities that follow will give an introduction to lasers, nanogold, applications of nanogold, and how nanotechnology is useful for drug delivery.

Activities

edible stained glass patterns

Edible Stained Glass

Stained Glass is one of the earliest uses of nanogold. For centuries, artists have been using nanogold size particles to make stained glass windows without even knowing they were using nanotechnology! In this activity you can make your own edible stained glass model.

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stacks of gold

Mixtures, Solution, & Colloids - What's the Difference?

Nanogold is a colloidal system. A familiar colloidal system is gelatin. In this series of experiments you will have the opportunity to learn more about colloids and how they differ from mixtures and solutions. This is another edible experiment!

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a laser in action

Lasers

Lasers are useful in nanogold for cancer therapy; in addition to many other applications such as eye surgery and bar code scnners. In these activities you can experiment with various household items to demonstrate the features of lasers.

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toy robot

Nanobots

Play some interactive online games to learn about the use and the importance and of nanobots. Nanobots are on the cutting-edge of drug delivery research. In this activity you will become familiar with the benefits and complications of Nanobots.

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Support for the Center for Nanoscale Science is provided through the NSF Grant DMR-08-20404, part of the NSF MRSEC Program. Additional support is provided by Penn State University, Materials Research Institute, and by Pennsylvania Ben Franklin Technology Development Fund.
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