Search: Society, policy, and economics, Classroom activity

This hour long classroom program introduces nano science and nanotechnology as a leading, cutting edge science with an emphasis on nano in nature, health, energy and the environment. The class includes a PowerPoint presentation, three minute video, nine self-guided activities set up as “stations” around the classroom along with a concluding, teacher facilitated class discussion. This program was created for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s (OMSI) Outreach Unit. It has been designed for 4th – 8th graders and travels to elementary and middle schools in seven states around the Pacific Northwest.

This 50-minute program includes an introduction to the nano-scale science, conversation time for the participants and 2 ten-minute plays that stimulate conversation about the impact the field of nanoscale science may have on our lives. It also gets the audience thinking about how we should respond -- both individually and collectively -- to those potential impacts. This program was performed at the Science Museum of Minnesota and as an outreach program. The plays have also been performed individually as part of forums.

This program describes a weeklong summer camp for high school students. The camp does not assume any previous knowledge of the field and thus is open to students from all backgrounds. It is hands‐on; application based and also gives a broad overview to nanoscience/nanotechnology as a field with many career opportunities. Students are able to gain a comprehensive understanding through activities that introduce them to the unique properties at the nanoscale. Though lab‐tours, discussion groups on societal and ethical implications of nanoscience/nanotechnology and an open‐house at the conclusion of the camp where they present projects to families and friends, students are exposed to a wide variety of experiences.

"NanoSense Activities" has 4 curriculum units to help high school teachers and students understand nanoscale science. Each unit includes background materials, directions and instructional materials. Units include: Size Matters - Introduction to Nanoscience, Clear Sunscreen - How Light Interacts with Matter, Clean Energy - Converting Light into Electricity, and Fine Filters - Filtering Solutions for Clean Water

This is a framework for a summer camp for campers aged 8 - 10 years. Campers learn about nanoscale science and engineering through hands-on activities. The framework can be delivered in 5 half-day (1.5 – 2 hour) sessions. Alternately, the sessions do not have to be delivered consecutively. The first session (Intro to Science and Technology on the Nanoscale) can be used on its own or paired with any of the other four sessions.