This activity models the way Landsat satellites use a thermal infrared sensor to measure land surface temperatures. IR technology, like the IR thermometer in this activity, uses the infrared light emitted by an object to measure its temperature remotely (without...
Ideas for incorporating current science, engineering, and technology content into holidays, seasons, annual events, and special events: from STEM-themed events like National Chemistry Week and Astronomy Day to holidays like Halloween and Valentine's Day!
This activity models some of the ways natural processes, such as erosion and sediment pollution, affect Earth’s landscape. Data collected from satellites, such as the joint NASA/USGS Landsat satellites, help improve our understanding of Earth’s land cover. Orbiting Earth, these...
Nanoscale science and technology ("nano" for short) is all around us and growing rapidly. Learn how you can use nanotechnology to clean drinking water right now!
"Cleaning Oil Spills with Chemistry" is a longer activity than many of the others in this kit. Participants will learn how different materials interact, and problem-solve to clean up a miniature model "oil spill." Which method (or combination of methods)...
This summer Girl Scouts of the USA are releasing a new set of Space Science badges for Daisy, Brownie and Junior girls. Join us to learn more about Girl Scouts’ STEM strategy, their new Space Science badges, and ways science...
"Exploring Size - Powers of Ten" is a card game exploring the relative sizes of various objects. Visitors compete to organize their hand of cards into lists of objects from largest to smallest. "Explore Science - Zoom into Nano Powers...
"Exploring the Universe: Imagining Life" is a hands-on activity in which visitors imagine and draw an extreme environment beyond Earth, then invent a living thing that could thrive in it. They learn that NASA scientists study extremophiles on Earth to...
Here is a curated selection of TEDTalks that relate to current nano science, technology, and engineering. From future medical applications to clean water, these videos give a voice and face to nano research. The resources section contains links to talks...
Many plastics are in our oceans due to pollution, including ocean dumping and land runoff. Sunlight and alkaline ocean water break these plastics down into small particles, many are nanoscale in size. These nanoparticles can easily enter our cells. Students...
Howtosmile is a collection of the best educational materials on the web, in addition to learning tools and services – all designed especially for those who teach school-aged kids in non-classroom settings. earch over 3,500 of the very best science...
Educational materials and presentations for STEM teachers and their students from the University of Massachusetts Amherst Nanotechnology Summer Institute for STEM Teachers. Includes Powerpoint presentations, activity descriptions, and links to other resources.
"Nano sand" is a product that was originally invented to help clean up oil spills in water. Since the "nano sand" is hydrophobic, it does not let water molecules pass through. It does, however, let oil molecules pass through. When...
This activity—in which students test a local water supply—is designed to be used as an extension to classroom activities related to treating foul water for consumption. This activity should be done after students have been introduced to the concept of...
The Woodrow Wilson Center's Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (PEN) created a 6 episode podcast series focused on exciting research and applications in nanotechnology. The podcasts are hosted by Washington DC science reporter Karen Schmidt and cover topics including, nanomedicine, energy,...
Pollution, both macroscopic and microscopic, is an important environmental issue for aquatic ecosystems. For this lab, students will model how nanoparticle pollution travels from land to water. This lab is part 1 of a 2-part series of labs designed to...
By: Andrew S. Madden, Michael F. Hochella Jr., George E. Glasson, Julie R. Grady, Tracy L. Bank, André M. Green, Mary A. Norris, Andrew N. Hurst, and Susan C. Eriksson NSTA Press Book, 2011 ISBN: 978-1-936137-32-9 Member Price: $20.76 Nonmember...