What is the NISE Network?
NISE Network members self-assembling at the 2009 Annual Meeting in San Francisco
Photo by Emily Maletz Graphic Design
The Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net) is a national community of researchers and informal science educators dedicated to fostering public awareness, engagement, and understanding of nanoscale science, engineering, and technology.
Why was Network formed?
Advances in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology are revolutionizing medicine, computing, materials science, energy production, and manufacturing. Yet, to the general public, these advances can be invisible or difficult to understand.
The NISE Network was created to engage the public in advances in nanoscale research, to capture the imagination of young people who may subsequently choose careers in nanoscale science or technology, and to foster new partnerships among research institutions and informal science centers.
NISE Network members humanize the nanoscale structure of a crystal at the 2009 Annual Meeting in San Francisco.
Photo by Emily Maletz Graphic Design
In 2005, the Museum of Science, Boston, the Exploratorium, and the Science Museum of Minnesota joined together with a dedicated group of partners and advisors to develop the Nanoscale Informal Science Education (NISE) Network. Funded by the National Science Foundation through a five-year cooperative agreement, the Network supports a variety of activities designed to build the capacity of informal science institutions and research organizations to work together to engage the public in learning about nanoscale science, engineering, and technology.
Click here to see a list of our core partners.
Who can join NISE Network?
Research institutions, museums and informal science organizations, and other individuals who are interested in communicating with the public about nanoscale research are welcomed and encouraged to join.
Please visit our FAQ page to find out how you can get more involved, how to sign up for the newsletter, and how to create a profile on this website.
What's the purpose of this Web site?
- To facilitate communication and collaboration among informal science educators and nano scientists working to engage the public in nano science, engineering, and technology.
- To share educational resources and tools with professional educators to increase their capacity to engage their audiences in nano science, technology, and engineering.
- To provide the public directly with links to information and activities about nano science, technology, and engineering through our public page www.WhatisNano.org
What is the Catalog?
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The online catalog is a compilation of educational products designed for use in informal education settings to engage the public in nano science, engineering, and technology. The catalog features a variety of educational programs and activities, media, exhibits, evaluation reports, and tools and guides for professional educators. All products in the catalog created by the NISE Network are reviewed by scientists, educators, and evaluated with visitors. Most products in the catalog created by the NISE Network are available for free digital download and designed to be easily adapted and modified for different formats and audiences.
In the future we plan to add "linked products" to the catalog which are created outside the NISE Network.
