Lesson Description:
This unit takes students through several introductory lessons designed to gain a better understanding of the 'nano' scale as it relates to the creation of a (dye-sensitized) solar cell (dssc). The introductory lessons guide students through activities covering volume, surface area and density and exploration of the relationship between these factors. the unit culminates with students building a gratzel cell, a solar cell employing a layer of nanospheres of tio2 as the semiconductor and blackberry juice as the light absorber in a non-si-based solar cell. Students are able to build a small solar cell and test its efficiency.

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Lesson Type:

• Experiment
• Other

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Sustainability Topic:

• Energy

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Standards Addressed:
Nanotechnology Idea

• The idea of "nano" - being small
• Nanomaterials have a high surface area(nanosensors for toxins)
• Synthesis of nanomaterials and support chemistry (ie. titanium dioxide)
• Shape memory alloys and smart materials
• Nanocrystalline solar cells
• Nanocoatings resistive to bacteria and pollution
• Nanomaterials, such as mr (magneto-resistive) fluids in security
• Richard P. Feynman's talk, "There is Plenty of Room at the Bottom". Feynman had a vision.
• Nanocosmetics and nanoclothing
• Nanotechnology and science ethics

Standard it can address: 

• Structure of atoms
• Structure and properties of matter
• Personal and community health
• Chemical reactions
• Motion and forces
• Abilities of technological design
• Understanding about science and technology
• Conservation of energy and increase in disorder (entropy)
• Interactions of energy and matter
• Natural resources
• Environmental quality
• Natural and human-induced hazards
• Science and technology in local, national, and global challenges
• Science as a human endeavor
• Nature of scientific knowledge
• Historical perspective
• Population growth

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Lesson Documents:
acts_amadi_solar_306.pdf

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Lesson Documents:
acts_amadi_solar_306.pdf

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