Environmental Nanotechnology Student Handout
Created by UnderstandingNano.com

This lesson plan was created to give you an introduction to environmental nanotechnology in a classroom setting..

I. The Concept of Environmental Nanotechnology

Definition: Environmental Nanotechnology is the application of nanotechnology techniques to reducing or preventing damage to our environment.

Question: What are our most important environmental issues facing our planet today?

Reading 1: Read the Environmental Nanotechnology page (http://www.understandingnano.com/environmental-nanotechnology.html).

Discussion 1: Discuss the basic concepts of environmental nanotechnology, which might include these topics:

One way in which nanotechnology can affect our environment is by providing tools for cleaning up existing pollution. Identify two kinds of pollution that nanotechnology might help prevent or reduce. Which do you think is the most important problem to solve for our planet?
Another way that nanotechnology can improve our environment is by enabling cleaner processes for the production of energy or materials. Have students identify one way in which nanotechnology is being used to produce cleaner energy. How close are researchers to implementing that technique?

2. Explore an Application of Environmental Nanotechnology

Discussion 2: Nanotechnology could make fuel cell-powered cars a reality. Research what is being done today by car manufacturers to reduce gas emissions, and compare those methods to the use of fuel-cells. How would getting rid of gas-powered cars help our environment?

Research and Report: Pick one of the topics on the Environmental Nanotechnology page (http://www.understandingnano.com/environmental-nanotechnology.html) related to water quality, air quality or energy to read. Follow links on the site for additional information. Create a brief report about one possible way that nanotechnology might help prevent or reduce negative impacts on our environment.

3. The Future of our Environment

Explain that nanotechnology has the potential to cause significant changes to our air quality, water quality and energy generation, therefore causing significant changes in our environment.

Presentation: Split the class into groups and have each group research one of these two topics and prepare a presentation:

What impact would it have on our economy if nanotechnology got rid of all forms of pollution?

What impact would it have on our health and life spans if there were no more pollution on our planet, plenty of drinkable water, and no global warming?

Have each group present on their topic and then hold a discussion with the entire class on the ideas that have been put forth.

Optional Activity: Write a brief description of a recent environmental disaster and the impact it had on our environment. Note if you think, based on your readings on the website, that nanotechnology could have helped to prevent or clean up after the disaster.

Conclusion: Environmental nanotechnology offers great potential for improving the quality of life on our planet.

May be printed for classroom use
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