Introduction to Nanotechnology Prototype Testing - March 2006

General Description:

This formative evaluation tested 3 prototypes for the Introduction to Nanotechnology in March 2006. Of the three prototypes tested Self Assembly continued forward to a final exhibit: Creating Nanomaterials. The concepts in Colored Glass prototype informed the development of Unexpected Properties.

Type of product(s) studied:

Exhibit

Method(s) of data collection:

interviews
observations

Documents:

introduction_to_nanotechnology_-_march_2006.pdf

Author(s):

Scott Ewing

Associated product(s):

Creating Nanomaterials

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 air hockey table. When the air hockey table is activated, the “molecules” hover and assemble into patterns all by themselves—just like molecules in nanomaterials.

Unexpected Properties

This exhibit demonstrates how materials at the nanoscale can have unexpected properties. The tabletop interactive, Quantum Dots, focuses on the property of color and how a material’s color may change when brought down to the nanoscale. Visitors alter the size of a magnified quantum dot and watch the light that it emits shift from red to blue as it shrinks to a fraction of a nanometer. The copy panel and side monitors explain how unexpected properties are being used in real-world applications of quantum dots and nanoparticles, from medical imaging to consumer goods.

Introduction to Nanotechnology Prototype Testing - March 2006

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General Description:

Type of product(s) studied:

Method(s) of data collection:

Documents:

Author(s):

Associated product(s):

Creating Nanomaterials

Unexpected Properties

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