Atomic Force Microscopy
Abstract
Topographic imaging at the molecular level involves an indirect mapping of the surface of a material with a probe that follows the shape of the surface. In this activity, each team of students will use a simulated topographic scanner with a platform mounted LASER probe to attempt to discern the structure of an unknown block of Legos® built by another
team. At the conclusion of this activity, students will be asked to apply the knowledge gained to develop an understanding of the atomic force microscope.
Appropriate Grade Levels
All Levels
Time
Two to three 40-minute class periods
Kit Created By:
George Wolfe, Sean Garner, Ethan Minot, and Michael Occhino
Center for Nanoscale Systems Institute for Physics Teachers (CIPT)
632 Clark Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
www.cns.cornell.edu/cipt/ cipt_contact@cornell.edu
(Please note that this kit is also available commercially from West Hill Biological Resources, Inc., www.westhillbio.com.)
Download kit guide [pdf]
Diffraction of Light and the Discovery of the DNA Structure
Abstract
The diffraction and interference of light are easily observed phenomena that give direct, tangible evidence of the wave nature of light. Diffraction is at the root of many technologies, scientific techniques, and common visual phenomena. Students explore diffraction phenomena by shining a laser at a hair, a variable single slit made from pencils, and wire meshes of various size. After this introduction to the general principles of diffraction of light, students will use an ICE DNA Transform slide to develop an understanding of the use of light diffraction in the discovery the structure of DNA.
Appropriate Grade Level
Physics, Grades 9-12
Time
Two 40-minute class periods
Kit Created By:
Jim Overhiser
Center for Nanoscale Systems Institute for Physics Teachers (CIPT)
632 Clark Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
www.cns.cornell.edu/cipt/ cipt_contact@cornell.edu
(Edited from a work originally authored by: Gil Toombes, Andrew J. Telesca, Jr., Martin Alderman, Jim Overhiser)
Download kit guide [pdf]
Seeing Math: An Introduction to Graphing
Abstract
A series of guided activities that will illustrate various mathematical relationships seen in a standard physics course of study. Students will collect data and use EXCEL to create scatter graphs.
Appropriate Grade Level
High school Physics
Time
120-minute lab period
Kit Created By:
Jim Overhiser
Center for Nanoscale Systems Institute for Physics Teachers (CIPT)
632 Clark Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
www.cns.cornell.edu/cipt/ cipt_contact@cornell.ed
Download kit guide [pdf]
Vortex Rings
Abstract
This experiment seeks to sharpen students’ ability to observe, document and draw conclusions from a complex and visually appealing phenomenon. The elements of setting up controls in an experiment are emphasized. The intent is to shape the student’s ability to design an experiment and to study and understand chosen aspects of a real-world phenomenon. The basic procedure involves dropping dye into water, which in many instances results in the formation of a vortex ring. Instability in the ring builds and the ring breaks into smaller drops which form a new set of rings. This process may repeat itself several times to create a cascade of rings. Vortex motion is widespread in the air and water that surround us, and this experiment makes it visible.
Appropriate Grade Level
High school (Grades 9-12)
Time
Two 45-minute class periods, minimum
Download kit guide [pdf]