Biomimicry of Blue Morpho butterfly wings: An introduction to nanotechnology through an interdisciplinary science education module
Abstract
Biomimicry is the practice of imitating naturally occurring bio-designs through engineering and invention. For instance, Blue Morpho butterfly wing colors are a result of the reflection and refraction of nanostructures embedded in the wing and have inspired practical applications in nanofabrication and photonics. Interdisciplinary science educational materials have been developed that demonstrate the cross-disciplinary aspects and biomimetic properties used in designing nano-based devices. The unique optical properties of the Blue Morpho wing provides an excellent source of demonstrating how aspects of chemistry, biology, physics, and nanotechnology relate. Specifically, these educational tools demonstrate concepts including natural selection, chemical and physical properties, structure at the nanoscale, optical, and electromagnetic design. In addition, the engaging activities are correlated to how nanotechnology drives invention and provides students a mechanism to be introduced to the possibilities nanotechnology provides. A comprehensive combination of lab, cleanroom, and classroom activities are suggested to promote remote learning.
Additional Information
© 2021 Society for Information Display. Issue Online: 04 November 2021; Version of Record online: 14 July 2021; Manuscript accepted: 31 May 2021; Manuscript received: 29 December 2020. Research funding: Division of Undergraduate Education. Grant Numbers: 1204279, 2000281, 2000725; National Institutes of Health. Grant Number: RL5GM118975; National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education. Grant Number: DUE 2000281; Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC), Grant Number: DUE 2000725; Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge Resource Center, National Science Foundation. Grant Number: DUE 1204279.Attached Files
Supplemental Material - jsid1071-sup-0001-butterly_paper_jsid_supplementary.docx
Files
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Additional details
- Eprint ID
- 109995
- Resolver ID
- CaltechAUTHORS:20210723-170805636
- DUE-1204279
- NSF
- DUE-2000281
- NSF
- DUE-2000725
- NSF
- RL5GM118975
- NIH
- Created
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2021-07-26Created from EPrint's datestamp field
- Updated
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2021-11-08Created from EPrint's last_modified field