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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....

"Exploring Properties - UV Bracelets" is a hands-on activity in which visitors use ultraviolet light to change the color of beads that contain photochromic dye. They learn that the UV beads change color as a result of nanoscale shifts in...

Scanning Electron Microscope image of polyethylene, a common plastic. • SIZE: Scale bar representes 20 µm • IMAGING TOOL: Scanning Electron Microscope

This 20-page PDF booklet provides an introduction to informal science education and to science museum practice for nano and materials science researchers. It advises researchers on ways to collaborate with science museums to increase the impact of their education outreach...

Vector illustrations of ball-and-stick models of a graphene structure on a black or white background.

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...

"Exploring Products - Nano Fabric" is a hands-on activity exploring how the application of nano-sized whiskers can protect clothing from stains. Visitors investigate the hydrophobic properties of pants made from nano fabric and ordinary fabric.

Scanning electron microscope image of a cotton fiber treated with silver nanoparticles. • SIZE: Scale bar representes 10 µm • IMAGING TOOL: Table-top Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

Visitors will learn how nanotechnology is being used to create new types of protective fabrics. The classic experiment "Oobleck" is used to demonstrate how scientists are using similar techniques to recreate this phenomenon in flexible fabrics.

Bump and Roll is an interactive exhibit that demonstrates nanomaterial properties using an everyday object: a leaf of cabbage. The nanoscale structures on a cabbage leaf cause water to bead up and slide off its surface. Scientists are replicating these...

In this activity, students learn what composite materials are and why they are used in many industries. Students put these ideas to work as they design and create their own bricks. After the bricks are made, students employ a variety...

Transmission Electron Microscope image of nanoparticles of ferrofluid. • SIZE: The nanoparticles in the image are about 15-20 nanometers across. Scale bar representes 20 nm. • IMAGING TOOL: Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

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...

"Exploring Properties - Heat Transfer" is a hands-on activity in which visitors investigate how quickly heat is transferred through two different materials. They learn that graphene is a very good conductor of heat and that the way a material behaves...

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 Properties - Surface Area" is a hands-on activity demonstrating how a material can act differently when it's nanometer-sized. Visitors compare the reaction rate of an effervescent antacid tablet that is broken in half with one that is broken into...

"Exploring Materials - Thin Films" is a hands-on activity in which visitors create a colorful bookmark using a super thin layer of nail polish on water. They learn that a thin film creates iridescent, rainbow colors. "Explore Science - Zoom...

A compendium of NanoDays activities and resources from the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network. The NISE Net has created this compendium of all NanoDays activities and resources to enhance partner's ability to continue to host NanoDays events and strengthen local...

Light microscope image of polyethylene, a common plastic. • SIZE: Image taken at 40x. • IMAGING TOOL: Light Microscope

In this episode of O Wow Moments from the Children’s Museum of Houston, Mr. O is up against the supervillain Dr. Blot and his desire to stain everyone! Actually, it's just a fun excuse to examine how nanotechnology and nanoscale...

"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...

This hands-on activity will guide you in making a synthetic gecko tape with micron sized hairs that mimics that behavior of the gecko foot. The process is called "nanomolding." Also described is an easy setup using Legos for testing how...

Scanning electron microscope image of synthetic tape. • SIZE: Scale bar representes 100 µm • IMAGING TOOL: Table-top Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

"Nanotechnology: Small Science, Big Impact!" provides an overview of nanoscale science, engineering, and technology, and includes a variety of hands-on activities and demonstrations.

During the winter of 2011, SMM survey associates and NISE Exhibits Team members collected a range of data on the mini-exhibition on the floor at SMM. This included interviews with visitors in January, and observations in January and March. The...