1How Can a Gecko Walk on a Ceiling?

NanoLeap: Exploring the Mystery of the Gecko

Physical ScienceLesson 1

How Can a Gecko Walk on a Ceiling?

NanoSize MeTricky Feet Videos: http://www.mcrel.org/nanoleap/multimedia/index.asp

2How Can a Gecko Walk on a Ceiling?

Data Table

Observations InterpretationsMakes use of senses

Makes use of instrumentation (when possible)

Uses illustrations and labels

Are statements and not questions

Qualitative: Description of characteristics

Quantitative: Numeric or measurements

Explains how/why based on what you scientifically observe

May show diagrams or illustrations of how you think something works

Bases explanation on scientific observation, experience, or something learned earlier (extant data)

Are statements and not questions

3How Can a Gecko Walk on a Ceiling?

Observations

Make observations about the following images.

Image 1.1

Image 1.2

Image 1.3

4How Can a Gecko Walk on a Ceiling?

Interpretations

Make interpretations about how the organism is “sticking” or “adhering” to a surface.

Image 1.1

Image 1.2

Image 1.3

5How Can a Gecko Walk on a Ceiling?

Questions

1. What do the images have in common?

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

3. What might you interpret about the surfaces on which you observed the gecko climbing?

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

6How Can a Gecko Walk on a Ceiling?

More Questions

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

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 visible scale?

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

7How Can a Gecko Walk on a Ceiling?

Making Connections

1. Describe one or two ideas that you learned during this lesson.

2. How do you think the gecko sticks to the ceiling?

3. What should we explore next?

8How Can a Gecko Walk on a Ceiling?

Flow ChartFlow Chart

2. What Do We Mean When We Speak About Surfaces in Contact?

3. What Are Your Ideas of Small Sizes?

7. How Do We Measure Forces at the Nano Level? Why Is Merely LOOKING not Enough?

1. How Can a Gecko Walk on a Ceiling?

Scale: VisibleDominant Force: GravityTools: Eye

5. What Types of Forces Can Hold Objects Together?

6. How MUCH Force Is Needed to Make an Object Stick? What Factors Affect the STRENGTH of Force Acting?

8. How Can a Gecko Walk on a Ceiling?

4. What Do We Learn When We Look More Closely?