Minds On
Technology
Brainstorm
Brainstorm
What are five technologies that exist in the world around you and are used on a regular basis?
These can be any machinery, tools, instruments, or equipment that have been developed because of scientific knowledge. They can be either simple or complex. The wheel is a technology, as is a computer.
What are some positive and negative things about each of these technologies?
Record your ideas in a notebook or another method of your choice.
Future technologies
Now, think about future technologies. What new and innovative technologies do you think could be in our future?
Think of two or three technologies you believe could be in existence in the future.
What will be the positives and negatives of these technologies?
Complete the Future Technologies Brainstorming Web in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.
Press the Activity button to access the Future Technologies Brainstorming Web.
Activity (Open PDF in a new tab)Action
Innovation in Canada
This learning activity features emerging technologies, STEM contributions, and Canadian innovations that are making a difference.
Nanotechnology
Nanoscience and nanoengineering are the creation, study, and control of matter that is 1-100 nanometers in size.
Nanotechnology includes the science, technology, and engineering that is conducted at the nanoscale. It is the study of extremely small things and can be used across studies in fields like biology, chemistry, physics, math, and engineering. It involves the ability to explore and control individual atoms and molecules.
One nanometer is a billionth of a meter. That means that there are 25,400,000 nanometers in one inch!
Investigate
Investigate
Various forms of nanotechnology have the potential to make a significant impact on society. There are many advantages and disadvantages to nanotechnology.
As you are investigating nanotechnology throughout this learning activity, complete the Nanotechnology Notes Worksheet in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. If you would like, you can use speech-to-text or audio recording tools to record your thoughts.
| Nanotechnology Notes | |
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Record advantages and disadvantages of nanotechnology as you explore this learning activity. |
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Advantages of nanotechnology |
Disadvantages of nanotechnology |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access Nanotechnology Notes Worksheet.
Press the following tabs to explore the impacts of nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology is being used to create new materials that will positively impact the manufacturing sector. For example, nanotubes or nanoparticles are very light yet strong materials with insulating properties that are used to construct new products. Some products that use nanotubes are electronics, and materials that are lightweight but strong.
Nanobots are robots that are only a few nanometers in length and will help to construct these innovative products. Nanobots can even be used in the human body!
Scientists and engineers predict that nanotechnology will open up new ideas for generating and storing energy, including reducing the cost of creating solar panels and related equipment. Also, nanotechnology has the potential to bring major advancements to the medical field, specifically in aiding with surgeries. For example, a nanobot could enter a patient’s body to perform medical surgeries, making surgery much faster, more accurate, and less dangerous.
Nanotubes are currently being used to develop the “smart bandage.” This nanotechnology can detect and monitor an infection. They are also being used to detect the specific locations of cancer cells.
It is possible that nanotechnologies can produce toxins and pollutants that will negatively impact the environment.
Changes in manufacturing to produce products and goods with nanotechnology could result in job loss, or a rise in luxury or specialized items. Research and production of nanotechnology can be very costly. Lastly, scientists do not yet know the long-term impacts of using nanotechnology on a regular basis, because it is still so new.
Press ‘Let’s Check!’ to access the advantages and disadvantages of nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology
Advantages
- can produce lighter and stronger materials
- generates new ideas for energy consumption
- reduces the costs of building solar panels (renewable energy)
- advancing medicine to make surgeries faster and more accurate
- creating smart technologies to help prevent infections
- detect cancer cells
Disadvantages
- release pollutants and toxins into the environment
- could create expensive, luxury, specialized items
- as the manufacturing industry changes, this could reduce the number of jobs available
- can be very expensive
- unsure of long-term consequences
Applying nanotechnology
Nanoscale materials have been available for centuries, but only recently have begun being used for modern nanoscience and nanotechnology. Today, scientists and engineers are finding a variety of ways to make materials at the nanoscale and take advantages of their enhanced features.
Neuroscience
Nanotechnology is tiny, but possesses unique properties – it is strong, durable, and chemically reactive.
Nanotechnology and neuroscience are being combined to form nano-neuroscience, which is beginning to be applied to neuroscience to investigate molecular, cellular, and physiological processes.
So, what does this mean?
For each process, select the corresponding description.
If scientists continue to study nano-neuroscience, then the understanding of neural circuitry (the interconnection of nerve cells in the body that carry out a specific job when they are activated) in the brain and spine will continue to deepen.
Press the following tabs to explore different innovations that demonstrate how nanotechnology and neuroscience are merging into nano-neuroscience.
Neuroprotection refers to mechanisms or strategies that are used to slow disease progression in the brain tissue, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease.
Traditionally, medicines have not always been able to reach the brain because of a “blood-brain barrier” or “fluid barrier” that surrounds and protects the brain. Engineers and scientists have been using nanotechnology to develop molecules that can cross these barriers and deliver needed medicine to the brain.
One of the fields closely linking nanotechnology and neuroscience is regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine means to use research to replace and repair human cells, tissues, or even organs.
Scientists are using nanomaterials to engineer tissues with the goal of repairing and replacing damaged tissues from diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. These diseases cause a loss in nerve tissue, specifically in the brain and in the spinal cord.
Nanoparticles, combined with a magnetic field, establish the growth of nerves ten times faster than any other process that currently exists.
Nanotechnology results in images of the brain (neuroimaging) that are more accurate and high-resolution that ever before. Nanocrystals are used to enhance signal detection which creates a brighter, clearer image of the brain.
This technology can be used to better visualize brain injuries, and provide 3D images of deeper tissues and cells.
Learning check!
Select the correct answer, then press ‘Check Answer’ to see how you did.
Nanotechnologies in the environment
Nanotechnologies have clear impacts on the lives of people in different areas of their lives, but what is their impact on the environment?
The creation of nanotechnologies is expected to save water, energy, and raw materials in the manufacturing process. They are also noted as having the potential to reduce hazardous waste production and greenhouse gas emissions.
Nanoparticles can be used to create of more environmentally friendly products.
Pause and Reflect
Pause and reflect
The environmental impact wording does not include information about its current impact on the environment. Why do you think that might be?
Record your ideas in a notebook or another method of your choice.
Press ‘Let’s Check!’ to access a possible response.
Not every nanomaterial currently being manufactured is saving on energy and water at this time. Only a small number of companies manufacturing nanotechnology are making these efforts.
Reading Time
Case study: Motes
Motes, also known as “smart dust,” are miniature, self-contained, battery-powered computers that use wireless links to exchange information.
They are inexpensive, and contain memory and wireless transmitter-receivers, as well as built-in sensors that can measure temperature, humidity, pressure, and infrared light. The information that the mote collects is then relayed from mote to mote until it reaches a computer base station and satellite link, giving researchers and scientists real time data no matter where they are.
Press the following tabs to access more details about motes.
A company in Alberta called Smart Dust NanoApps Inc. has developed a mote that can be used to monitor a number of factors that are impacting wildlife habitats. Specifically, they are exploring the use of motes when studying burrowing owls in Alberta.
They are studying this specific species because the burrowing owl is a threatened species, meaning if action is not taken, they may become endangered. Environmentalists are thrilled that nanotechnology could be used to save one of Canada’s endangered species, and they are generally pleased with motes because they consume minimal power compared to many other wireless devices.
By using a mote, researchers will be able to gather information about the burrowing owl without having to enter the owl’s habitat and risk disturbing it. However, some researchers wonder how they will place and retrieve the motes without disturbing the owls.
The company is hoping to design and create multiple types of motes, and are even considering opening a factory to produce them, which could create new jobs for local residents. However, some local residents are wondering how the production of motes in Alberta and the development of a factory in the area will impact the environment.
They are also worried that motes might be used incorrectly, to gather other kinds of information about people’s personal lives, and local farmers are worried their livestock will eat a mote by accident, causing unknown consequences.
There hasn’t yet been a lot of research released about the materials that will be used to make the motes, and some are concerned about their safety and ability to biodegrade.
Lastly, nanotechnology can become quite expensive, leaving researchers wondering if a task like this could be too expensive to maintain, and worried about who will pay for the motes in the long-term.
Learning check!
For this activity, reflect on the previous case study, and sort each statement as an advantage or disadvantage of motes.
Consolidation
Review your learning
- What is nanotechnology and how is it being used innovatively in the world? Use at least one specific example that you learned about from this learning activity.
- What are some of the overall advantages and disadvantages of nanotechnology?
Record your responses in a notebook or another method of your choice.
Student Success
Your input
A public meeting is being held to encourage input from several people who may be affected by the use of motes in the wildlife surrounding a community. As a member of the public, you’ve been asked to decide whether motes should be released into the environment.
Review the case study from the Action section about motes and burrowing owls, taking note of the advantages and disadvantages of using this nanotechnology. You may also consider the information from other sections of the learning activity as well.
Then, create a list of advantages and disadvantages of using motes in this wildlife area based on information you have learned.
After collecting the advantages and disadvantages, determine whether this nanotechnology should in fact be used.
Record your advantages and disadvantages, as well as your decision in a notebook or another method of your choice.
Before presenting your input, be sure to…
Reflection
As you read the following descriptions, select the one that best describes your current understanding of the learning in this activity. Press the corresponding button once you have made your choice.
I feel…
Now, expand on your ideas by recording your thoughts using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.
When you review your notes on this learning activity later, reflect on whether you would select a different description based on your further review of the material in this learning activity.