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Exploring Properties - UV Bracelets

In this activity, learners use ultraviolet light to change the color of beads that contain photochromic dye.

DESCRIPTION

"Exploring Properties - UV Bracelets" is a hands-on activity in which visitors use ultraviolet light to change the color of beads that contain photochromic dye. They learn that the UV beads change color as a result of nanoscale shifts in the shape of the dye molecules. "Explore Science - Zoom info Nano UV Bracelets" (2016) version designed for groups and community outreach.

JUMP TO BROWSE RELATED RESOURCES
  • a group of learners build UV color changing beaded bracelets
  • Light shining on colored beads in NanoDays Exploring Properties - UV Bracelets
  • Two learners hold a black light to UV color changing beads
  • A black light shining on a UV color changing beaded bracelet
  • Materials for Exploring Properties - UV Bracelets NanoDays activity including beads and light source
  • a group of learners build UV color changing beaded bracelets
  • Light shining on colored beads in NanoDays Exploring Properties - UV Bracelets
  • Two learners hold a black light to UV color changing beads
  • A black light shining on a UV color changing beaded bracelet
  • Materials for Exploring Properties - UV Bracelets NanoDays activity including beads and light source

DESCRIPTION

"Exploring Properties - UV Bracelets" is a hands-on activity in which visitors use ultraviolet light to change the color of beads that contain photochromic dye. They learn that the UV beads change color as a result of nanoscale shifts in the shape of the dye molecules. "Explore Science - Zoom info Nano UV Bracelets" (2016) version designed for groups and community outreach.

JUMP TO BROWSE RELATED RESOURCES

TRAINING VIDEOS

OBJECTIVES

BIG IDEA

The way a material behaves on the macroscale is affected by its structure on the nanoscale.

LEARNING GOALS

  • The way a material behaves on the macroscale is affected by its structure on the nanoscale.

  • The UV beads in this activity change color as a result of nanoscale shifts in the shape of their molecules.

NANO CONTENT MAP

Scientists and engineers have formed the interdisciplinary field of nanotechnology by investigating properties and manipulating matter at the nanoscale.

Credits

YEAR CREATED
2012
OWNING INSTITUTION

Science Museum of Minnesota

FUNDING

Developed for the NISE Network with funding from the National Science Foundation under Award Numbers 0532536 and 0940143. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this product are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation.

PERMISSIONS

Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike 3.0 United States (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 US).
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DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

NISE Network products are developed through an iterative collaborative process that includes scientific review, peer review, and visitor evaluation in accordance with an inclusive audiences approach. Products are designed to be easily edited and adapted for different audiences under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike license. To learn more, visit our Development Process page.