ANSWER KEY and RUBRICS: Key Features Possible Nanoparticles Explanation Cancer Detection - Detected through tumor markers - Must detect small concentrations of compounds - Use MRI for detection Base Particle: SPIO Accessory Particles: APTES, Herceptin Possible inclusions: Raman detector, PEG, Calcein Probe - SPIO must be used to function with MRI due to its magnetic properties - Herceptin must be added to bind to tumor markers -APTES is a linker that allows other molecules to bind to nanoparticles Multiple Sclerosis - Attacks nervous system - Treatment must cross Blood Brain Barrier (BBB) Base Particle: Lisosome Other Possible Particles: Silica, Chitosan Accessory Particles: APTES, Prednisolone, PEG - Lisosome particles are ideal because of their ability to cross biological barriers and formation of vesicles - APTES = linker - Prednisolone, the MS medication, should be enclosed within the - PEG allows the molecule to cross the BBB Asthma - Causes inflation of airway tissue and production of mucus - Results from low levels of Interferon-gamma -Altered gene expression is a potential therapy Base Particle: Chitosan Accessory Particles: None required, but could add APTES and PEG - Chitosan interacts with Interferon, an important factor in Asthma - Attaches to Mucus Antimicrobial Resistance - Microbes develop rapidly to combat chemical antibiotics - Microbes have negative membranes Base Particle: Nanopolymer Accessory Particles: None Required, but could add APTES, PEG, Raman Reporters or Calcein AM - Nanopolymer is ideal for its positively charged surface - Additional molecules could either be to mask the positive charge until necessary or for detection purposes
SCORING RUBRIC: SuperNano Card and Activity Analysis Overall Scoring may be adjusted by weighting specific categories more than others, such as accuracy and reasoning. 0 1 2 3 4 Accuracy Student provides no accurate information Student provides some information, but with several major inaccuracies or misconceptions Student provides mostly accurate information, but may have 1 substantial inaccuracy Student provide mostly accurate information with only minor inaccuracies All information is accurate- no mistakes or misconceptions. Reasoning Student provides no rationale for their design. Student briefly explains 1 or 2 aspects of design. Student explains most aspects of design, but is missing an entire component. Student explains all aspects of design, but may lack some depth on 1 or 2 features. Student explains all features completely and thoroughly. Clarity Student writing is Student writing is understandable, but with major weaknesses in organization and clarity. Students writing is mostly clear, but may contain 1 large problem in either organization or clarity. Student writing is clear and organized, with few minor problems in clarity or organization. Student writing is clear and organized with no problems. Creativity Student shows no creativity- no drawing, color or descriptions. Student shows limited creativity, but little to no effort. Student demonstrates moderate effort and creativity. Includes color. Student creates a visually clear, colorful, informative presentation, but the ad is not exceptionally unique or creative. Student creates a visually clear, colorful, informative presentation that is also exceptionally creative and unique. Total: / 20 POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS: Get Creative! Have the students build 3-D models of their nanoparticles. Conduct a Shark Tank-like competition where students make pitches to convince each other to “invest” in their particle. Make a commercial selling their product.