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....
The Explore Science: Let's Do Chemistry kit is designed to stimulate interest, sense of relevance, and feelings of self-efficacy about chemistry among public audiences.
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...
Space telescopes can offer us better, clearer views of the universe (and of our own planet) than Earth-based telescopes can, but getting these large, delicate pieces of equipment into orbit is tricky. In "Exploring the Universe: Pack a Space Telescope,"...
"Molecules in Motion" explores how materials behave and change in a vacuum. Participants can experiment with putting various objects in a small vacuum chamber and then observing the objects as air is removed from the chamber.
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.
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...
Chemistry is Colorful encourages visitors to explore materials through paper chromatography . This process highlights the properties of different pigments blended together in a marker by creating a colorful chromatogram . Can participants solve the mystery of which ink came...
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)
These resources will help you and your facilitators run a fun, successful Let's Do Chemistry event and to encourage positive attitudes toward learning chemistry. Included is guide entitled, "Let’s Do Chemistry: A Framework and Strategies to Encourage Positive Attitudes Toward...
"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...
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 - Sunblock" is a hands-on activity comparing sunblock containing nanoparticles to ointment. Visitors learn how some sunblocks that rub in clear contain nanoparticles that block harmful rays from the sun. "Explore Science - Zoom info Nano Invisible Sunblock"...
Welcome to your Explore Science: Let's Do Chemistry toolkit! This section contains everything you will need to begin planning and promoting your Let's Do Chemistry event. The downloadable planning and promotion guide will walk you through your event. Also included...
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...
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 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,...
"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)...