Nanoparticles
I can compare the sizes of microscopic and submicroscopic ‘particles’ using scientific notation, as well as discuss a variety of applications using nanoparticle technology.
Nanoparticles
I can compare the sizes of microscopic and submicroscopic ‘particles’ using scientific notation, as well as discuss a variety of applications using nanoparticle technology.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The prefixes milli-, micro-, nano-, and pico-, in this order, subdivide a metre into smaller and smaller divisions.
- Nanoparticles are 1-100 nm in size, and are larger than atoms and molecules.
- The smaller a particle, the bigger its surface area to volume ratio.
- Nanotubes are very small and extremely strong fibres that are thermal and electrical conductors.
- Nanoparticles have many applications; new applications for nanoparticulate materials are an important area of research.
Keywords
Nanometre - A unit used to measure very small distances, equal to 10⁻⁹ metres or one billionth of a metre.
Nanoparticle - A very small particle, typically ranging from 1 to 100 nanometres in size.
Standard form - Written in the form a × 10ⁿ, where 1 ≤ a < 10 and n is any positive or negative integer.
Nanoparticulate - A material composed of nanoparticles.
Surface area to volume ratio - The total surface area of an object divided by its volume.
Common misconception
Pupils might think all nanoparticles are hazardous without considering their varied applications and benefits.
Clarify that while nanoparticles may pose risks, they also offer significant benefits in medicine, technology, and environmental protection, with risks varying by type and usage.
To help you plan your year 10 chemistry lesson on: Nanoparticles, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 chemistry lesson on: Nanoparticles, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 chemistry lessons from the Chemistry of carbon unit, dive into the full secondary chemistry curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Unit used to measure very small things.
A very small particle.
A material made of nanoparticles.
The total surface area of an object divided by its volume.