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Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network

The NISE Net is a national community of researchers and informal science educators dedicated to fostering public awareness, engagement, and understanding of nanoscale science, engineering, and technology.

Become a partner of the NISE Network. Learn how to get involved or sign up now.

Image Collection

Gold Nanoshells (optical microscope)

To create this optical microscope image, gold nanoshells were dispersed in a drop of water which then dried on a glass microscope slide. The colors are due to selective scattering of light by nanoscale particles. Gold Nanoshells have a variety of uses in nanotechnology, and especially in biomedical applications. Nanoshells like these may play important roles in new kinds of cancer treatments, disease detection, and imaging techniques.

Human Red Blood Cells (SEM)

Red blood cells carry a protein called hemoglobin which has a molecular structure adapted to transport oxygen to body tissues. This scanning electron micrograph shows the cells' characteristic donut-like shapes.

Nanotubes Mimicking Gecko Feet

The nanoscale structures on a gecko's foot enable it to cling to most surfaces. This scanning electron microscope image shows multiwalled carbon nanotubes attached to a polymer backing, an experiment designed to replicate the gecko foot's adhesive properties. The gecko's amazing ability to cling to vertical or inverted surfaces is due to the interaction between nanoscale structures on its feet and tiny crevices on the wall or ceiling. The soles of gecko feet are made up of overlapping adhesive lamellae covered with millions of superfine hairs, or setae, each of which branches out at the end into hundreds of spatula-shaped structures. These flexible pads—each measuring only a few nanometers across—curve to fit inside unseen cracks and divots on the surface. The combined adhesion of these millions of pads holds the gecko in place.

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NISE Net News

ACM Interactivity 2012

May 10, 2012 - May 12, 2012

NanoDays 2012 Reports- tell us about your events!

By Catherine McCarthy on April 10, 2012 | 0 comments

NanoDays logo

Tell us about your NanoDays 2012 event by filling out the NanoDays Online Report:

http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/768876/NanoDays-2012-Report

We ask that partners hosting NanoDays events report back to the Network about your experiences through this online survey. There are two sections in this survey:

Catalog

New in the Catalog

Select NISE Network educational products are now available in Spanish!

Media

DIY Nano App

The DIY Nano app allows families to experience and learn about nanoscale science, engineering, and technology at home! The app provides free hands-on activities. Each activity includes material lists, step-by-step instructions, and detailed explanations. The activity materials are easy to find, inexpensive to purchase, and you probably have many of them in your own home! Our app includes an extensive list of family friendly video links and helps you browse the whatisnano.org public website for more information, activities, and videos. The DIY Nano app was created by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net). Funded by the National Science Foundation, NISE Net is dedicated to engaging all audiences with fun, educational activities about nano. ......................... Requirements: Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation) and iPad.Requires iOS 5.0 or later.

Programs

DIY Nano

These 'Do It Yourself' Nano activities and experiments allow families to experience and learn about nanoscale science, engineering, and technology at home or on the go! They are are designed to be done in the comfort of your own home. Each activity includes lists of widely available, inexpensive materials, step-by-step instructions, and detailed explanations. Go ahead, give 'em a try!

Programs

Buckyball Origami

This activity from Science Alberta guides you through the process of making a complex buckyball shape out of origami paper. Their educational website, wonderville.ca, has additional activities, videos, games, and comics.

NISE Net

A community of professionals engaging the public in nanoscale science

SECTIONS

National Science Foundation logo
Grant No.
0532536 and 0940143

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