Nanosurfaces Outreach Activity
The lotus effect, first observed in the leaves of the lotus plant, is a self-cleaning, water-repelling property found in some plants. Remarkably, despite constant exposure to dust, dirt, rain, and other elements, the leaves of the lotus plant remain clean and dry. Scientists have learned that this is because the surface of each leaf contains nanoscale waxy bumps that prevent both dirt and water from adhering to it.
This same “nano-mountain” lotus leaf structure has been recreated in a product called Lotusan paint. This activity is designed to illustrate how nanoscale structures on a surface can affect macroscale behaviors. Visitors will be divided into groups and invited to race to spray the dirt off of two surfaces - one painted with regular house paint and one painted with Lotusan paint.
Materials
- Nanosurfaces activity guide
- Water guns or deck sprayers
- Water
- Surface painted with regular white house paint
- Surface painted with Lotusan paint
- Dirt
- Tubs to catch water
- Model:
- Magnetic “water” molecules (available from http://www.3dmoleculardesigns.com)
- Bumpy “Lotus” surface model
- Smooth surface model
- Graphic of nanoscale structure of lotus leaf (optional)
Training Videos
Learn More
Intro to Size & Scale background
Resources:
- Slides:
- Activities:
