TechNyou Education: Making Gold Nanoparticles

This practical experiment can be used as part of a broad introduction to nanotechnology. In it, the bulk properties (classical effects) of materials are compared with the properties at the nanoscale (quantum effects). This comparison highlights the way in which materials acquire new, improved and/or different properties at the nanoscale and how these new properties are leading to the creation of new products and applications. This experiment allows students to observe the changes in gold (through the colour change) as the material is reduced to the nanoscale. The teachers and students guide to this experiment are available at http://education.technyou.edu.au/view/103/111/making-gold-nanoparticles To view the online discussion hosted by the Australian Science Teachers Association visit: http://moodle.asta.edu.au/course/view.php?id=53