Activity 1 - The presentation of scientific findings and issues

Subtopic A.6 - Nanotechnology

NOS statement 5.6 - As experts in their particular fields, scientists are well placed to explain to the public their issues and findings.  

Time: 1 h
Task: Watch this introduction video to nanotechnology and use your own research to create a public information poster explaining:

• What is nanotechnology?
• How could it affect the lives of the public in both positive and negative ways?

Remember that information must be presented in an appropriate manner to ordinary citizens in terms of academic content and a fair consideration of the positive and negative consequences.
References are also important.

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Activity 2 - The discovery of polywater

Subtopic A.1 - Materials science introduction

NOS statement 3.5 - It is also very important for scientists to be aware of the cognitive biases that may impact experimental design and interpretation. 

Time: 15 min.
Task: In 1961, a soviet physicist, who had been repeatedly forcing water through very thin quartz tubes, discovered small quantities of a type of water with significantly different properties to normal water. One of the suggested structures for this polywater is shown to the right.

Given that only some of his experiments produced polywater:

• What might he have concluded?
• How might he have reviewed his experimental design i.e. possible sources of error?

After more than 10 years of research, polywater was shown to be nothing more than contaminated water. Containing sweat, amongst other things. See video for more detail.

References:

​Stromberg, J. (2013). Slate’s Use of Your Data. Retrieved from https://slate.com/technology/2013/11/polywater-history-and-science-mistakes-the-u-s-and-ussr-raced-to-create-a-new-form-of-water.html

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