Technology of the future Project

The uncovering of the structure of atoms the basic units of matter as composed of
clouds of electrons surrounding a central nucleus is one of the landmark 20 th-century
discoveries, underpinning modern healthcare, advanced materials and information
technology.
Background:
Since its discovery, our knowledge of the atom has transformed our lives. It has made
possible great contributions and advancements that have improved technology,
communication, medicine, recreation, and our understanding of the world around us.
You are a futurist working for Tomorrows World, Inc. Currently you are tracing the origins of
modern technology from our earliest understanding of the atom and predicting how our
technology will change over the next 20 years. You have been invited to do a presentation
at the Technology of the Future conference. For this conference, you will select one
example of technology, trace the roots of its development to our knowledge of the atom, and
forecast how technology will have advanced 20 years from now.
Project Requirements
As a presenter at the Technology of the Future conference, you must include the following
in your presentation:
A. Explain how our knowledge of the atoms structure and properties led to the creation
of this technology.
B. Research your selected area of technology. Consider both present and past uses
and forms of the technology.
C. Predict how this technology will affect your life in 20 years. Support your prediction
with evidence.
D. Predict how careers might be impacted by this future technology.
E. Create a science fiction scenario that you will use to communicate your findings at
the conference.

List of Possible Topics:

Radioisotopes

Radioisotopes in Medicine, A History of Nuclear Medicine

Worldwide Shortage of Isotopes for Medical Imaging could
Threaten Quality of Patient Care
Carbon Dating
Real or Fake? ChemMatters, p. 8
Spectroscopy to Determine Art (FTIR)
Television
The Plasma Behind the Plasma TV Screen
Digital TV: A Cringely Crash Course
Atomic Bomb
The Atomic Bomb and the End of World War II
Invention and Discovery: Atomic Bombs and Fission
The Manhattan Project
Computers
Ultrafast Quantum Computer uses Optically Controlled Electrons
Electron Freedom Could Spark New Computing
Nuclear Power
Two Neutrons At The Same Time: Discovery of Dineutron Decay
Levitating Magnet May Yield New Approach to Clean Energy
Nuclear Physics and Technology: Inside the Atom
Electron Microscope
The Transmission Electron Microscope
Virtual Electron Microscope
Electron Beam Applications
Accelerator Apps: Ink Curing
Cleaner Living Through Electrons
Accelerator Applications: Furniture Finish
Practical Applications of Electron- and Ion-Beam Microscopy
Simulation, How Electrons Move
Research on Subatomic Theory

Physics Research through Electrons: Particle Accelerators

The ATLAS Project at CERN
Greatest Engineering Achievements of the 20th Century

New Technique uses Electrons to Map Nanoparticle Atomic

Structures