Graphene's superstrength
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Question Sheet: Graphene's superstrength

Question Sheet: Graphene’s Superstrength

SCIENCE

Before reading:

1. Scientists often talk about carbon. What types of things contain carbon?
2. The properties of carbon can be changed by temperature and pressure. Give some common examples.
3. What’s the name of the material inside your pencil that allows you to write? And what’s this material made from?

During reading:

1. How much thicker is a piece of paper than a sheet of graphene?
2. Compare graphene’s strength to that of steel.
3. Where can you find graphene at school?
4. How long ago did scientists first isolate graphene?
5. Besides its strength and thickness, name two other major properties of graphene.
6. How much does graphene cost?
7. What do “magic liquids” have to do with graphene?

After reading:

1. Why are scientists especially excited about using graphene for electronics? (Hint: How might size fit into this?)
2. Using what you’ve learned from the story, why do you think graphene is likely to change electronics in the next five years — or not? Explain your reasoning.
3. The author describes graphene as being a “wonder material.” Is this a reasonable description or an exaggeration? Explain your assessment.
4. Scientists had thought they might be able to make supersmall circuitry with carbon nanotubes. Why does graphene look even more promising? (Hint: You can learn more at Science News. See: http://www.sciencenews.org/view/feature/id/8955/title/Electron_Superhighway)

SOCIAL STUDIES

1. If graphene is in pencil lead and other common materials, why does research-grade graphene cost so much?
2. Diamonds are a special form of carbon that can be found only in a few isolated deposits around the globe. What about graphene? How widely available is this type of carbon for mining? (Hint: Where does pencil lead come from?)

LANGUAGE ARTS

1) Write new lyrics to a popular song (for instance: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Do Your Ears Hang Low,” or some theme from a popular TV show) that explain the many special features of graphene.

2) If you were offered a pound of graphene sheets or a diamond the size of your fist, which would you choose? And what would you do with it? Explain your answer—and reasoning—in three paragraphs.

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