This web page contains a standards-based curriculum unit on the interaction of light and matter, developed by NanoSense--an NSF-funded project to promote the teaching of nanoscale science at the high school level.  This resource explores the effect of nano-powders in sunscreen, focusing on absorption and scattering of light, size and scale, ultraviolet light properties, and light reflection.  It culminates with an ad campaign project for marketing a better sunscreen.  Resources for teachers include syllabus, lesson plans, pretest and post-test, extensive background information, Power Point lecture materials, student guides/handouts, and cost-free animation software that allows users to model chemical and nanoscopic processes.  The materials were developed in a modular fashion to enable use for a short classroom introduction or a two-week experiential learning project.

This resource is part of a larger set of curriculum materials by the NanoSense project.  SEE RELATED MATERIALS on this page for a link to the additional materials.