Hold a debate on new technology in each of the secondary key stages and collect information for and against nanotechnology. Consider ways of increasing cross-curricular links and reducing the barriers. Use questions such as, “If we could make glass from the technology, would we ever need thick glass again? What would we use it for?” There is a material called Quantum Tunnelling Composite (QTC) that can be discussed in class. It comes as a thin sheet or powder and can be applied to textiles or hard surfaces.
In a relaxed state it is a good insulator but when it is stretched, squashed or twisted it becomes a conductor. How would students use this material? Put them in pairs. One invents a new material, the other its properties and together they think of uses.