Ready, Set, Self-Assemble

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Overview

Description:

“Ready, Set, Self-Assemble” is a full-body program which introduces visitors to the concept of self-assembly in a fun and energetic way. Through the use of three full-body, interactive games, visitors explore the phenomena of self-assembly and its possible uses in nanotechnology.

Objectives

Big Idea:

The natural process of self-assembly can be used to manufacture large quantities of very, very small things.

Learning goals:

Self-assembly is a process by which molecules and cells form themselves into specific, ordered structures under the right conditions.
Self-assembly can be used by scientists to create objects on the nano-scale.
Nano is very, very small.
Nanoscientists learn about and make things that are too small to see.
Researchers in the field of nanotechnology are studying self-assembly in order to create new materials and technologies.

NISE Net Content Map:

Nanometer-sized things are very small, and often behave differently than larger things do.

Nanoscience, nanotechnology, and nanoengineering lead to new knowledge and innovations that weren't possible before.

Universal design:

Repeat and reinforce main ideas and concepts.

Credits

Developed for the NISE Network with funding from the National Science Foundation under Award Numbers 0532536 and 0940143. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this product are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation.