1.1 Investigating Static Forces in Nature: The Mystery of the Gecko

Your Thoughts About Nanoscale Science and Technology

Slide 1

How do you think the animals on the Tricky Feet video are able to crawl on walls and ceilings? (Lines for writing)

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Slide 2

Observations	Interpretations

For the picture of the frog above, label the following statements as observations (O), interpretations (I), or questions (Q).

_____ The frog is green. _____ Why is the frog on the person’s arm?

_____ The frog is ready to jump. _____ The frog is slimy.

_____ The frog has 2 eyes. _____ The frog is hungry.

Title: Observations and Interpretations of a Gecko

Date: ___________________________

(Write or make labels on the picture if necessary)

Slides 3–4

Observations	Interpretations

Slides 5–7

1. What do the images have in common?

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2. What do you observe about the surfaces and textures in these images?

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3. What do you interpret about how the gecko’s foot interacts with the surface?

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4. What questions do you have or additional information do you need to know in order to understand what makes a gecko adhere to surfaces?

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5. What are some possible methods for the gecko to adhere to a surface?

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6. Describe how you made your observations in today’s lesson:

a. What tools did you use? ___________________________

b. Were your observations at the visible or invisible scale? ________________

c. What is the dominant force at this scale? ________________________

7. What variables affect the force between the animal and the surface?

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Investigating Static Forces in Nature: The Mystery of the Gecko

Lesson 1: How Can a Gecko Walk on a Ceiling?

Student Journal

© 2009 McREL