Ion-selective membranes play a huge role in not only our bodies, but also in the world of nanotechnology and biosensors. All of our bodies are made up of a certain balance of chemicals (ions), and by using sensors that can pick up on the amounts of these chemicals, we can get a glimpse of our health condition. For example, whether or not our bodies’ chemical balance is abnormal can let us know if something is wrong with our health. Today, students will use knowledge of membranes to create their own ion-selective membranes.
Itty-Bitty Ions TEK8 Student Handout
The student handout will be given to all students working on the design challenge. It gives a brief recap of the story, it helps the students identify what they are attempting to achieve, and it recaps the design process.
Itty-Bitty Ions TEK8 Facilitator Guide
This Instructor’s Guide provides the instructor additional information on how to run the design challenge with alternatives for materials and test setups as well as information to help make the design challenge a good educational experience.
The Telling the Story Video conveys the societal impact of the student’s research that is the basis for the design challenge and will set the problem-solving context for students.
The Design Challenge Video leads students through the design process. It indicates materials available, states what the criteria are for success and any constraints. It also gives a second ‘level’ of the design challenge that allows ‘early completers’ to move on to a slightly more difficult challenge.
There is also a PowerPoint presentation available that was used in the original design challenge implementation.