Nano is an interactive exhibition that engages family audiences in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. Hands-on exhibits present the basics of nanoscience and engineering, introduce some real world applications, and explore the societal and ethical implications of this new technology....
Sand, Plants and Pants is a hands-on activity exploring how the application of nano-sized particles or substances can change a bigger material’s properties. Visitors investigate the hydrophobic properties of plants, nano-fabric pants and magic sand.
Creating Nanomaterials is an interactive, multimedia component of the Intro to Nanotechnology exhibit package that demonstrates how scientists are using the ability of molecules to self-assemble to create consumer goods with surprising properties. Visitors place and observe "molecules" on an...
This is a recording of a NISE Network online brown-bag conversation held in 2013 focused on the science behind NISE Net activities related to polymers or light at the nanoscale. The following activities were discussed: Exploring Fabrication - Gummy Capsules,...
Transmission Electron Microscope image of titanium dioxide particles in sunscreen. • SIZE: The nanoparticles in the image are about 20-40 nanometers across. Scale bar representes 100 nm. • IMAGING TOOL: Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)
"Exploring Materials - Polarizers" is a hands-on activity in which visitors use two polarizing sheets and overlapping layers of transparent tape to see how polarizers affect light. They learn that researchers are using nanotechnology to improve existing materials, in this...
Changing Colors is an interactive exhibit that shows how some high-tech nanomaterials mimic natural phenomena. Super-small, light-reflecting structures—instead of pigments—on the wings of some butterflies create intense, iridescent colors. Nanoscientists have replicated this effect with layered, super-thin films. Watch the...
In this classroom activity, students learn about organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). During the activity students make OLEDs, learn how OLEDs work, and discover what devices currently use OLEDs. Students also learn about spin coating since a spin coater is used...
This is a stage presentation, designed for audiences of 11 and up, intended to give a broad overview and introduction to the subject of nanotechnology. The talk attempts to answer three basic questions about nanotech: How is It New, What...
The audio description (AD) that accompanies the Nano exhibition was developed to increase access for visitors with low or no vision. It may also be able to support visitors with learning disabilities, and others for whom reading is challenging. The...
This program demonstrates the importance of scale (macro vs. micro vs. nano) and surface features in materials science and nanotechnology. Visitors will examine three different slides macroscopically (with their eyes) and microscopically (with a microscope). Each of the three slides...
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...
"Exploring Products - Nano Sand" is a hands-on activity exploring how water behaves differently when it comes in contact with nano sand and regular sand. Visitors learn about the hydrophobic properties of nano sand. "Explore Science - Zoom info Nano...
Transmission Electron Microscope image of polyethylene, a common plastic. • SIZE: Scale bar representes 500 nm • IMAGING TOOL: Transmission Electron Microscope
The REU Science Communication Workshop is designed to enhance the science communication skills of undergraduate students participating in research programs such as NSF's Research Experience for Undergraduates. The REU SCW has been implemented and evaluated quite successfully at more than...
"Exploring Products - Liquid Crystal Displays" is a hands-on activity in which visitors investigate temperature-sensitive liquid crystal sheets and liquid crystal displays from a calculator. They learn that liquid crystals change color as a result of nanoscale shifts in the...
Through hands-on activities, visitors learn how inkjet printers produce tiny, precise drops of ink. They examine printed paper with magnifying glasses, see a few demonstrations of how liquids behave differently at the small scale, and see an explosive demonstration of...
This is a recording of a NISE Network online brown-bag conversation held in 2014 and focuses on the applications and scientific background behind the following NanoDays 2014 kit activities: Exploring Materials - Oobleck and Exploring Materials - Ferrofluid Presented by:...
Scanning electron microscope image of a cotton fiber treated with silver nanoparticles. • SIZE: Scale bar representes 2 µm • IMAGING TOOL: Table-top Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
"Exploring Materials—Oobleck" is a hands on activity in which visitors investigate the properties of a cornstarch and water mixture and test its ability to protect from impacts. Visitors learn that similar nanomaterials can be used in new personal protective equipment.