Tiny Solutions to Our Big Energy Problem

Overview
Resources
Evaluations
Comments

Overview

Tiny Solutions to Our Big Energy Problem

Description:

The Tiny Solutions to Our Big Energy Problem program gives a brief overview of energy sources and our current energy crisis and discusses a variety of ways that nanotechnology can improve the way we harness energy (improving solar cells), distribute energy (carbon nanotube transmission lines) and use energy (nanotech-enhanced LED bulbs). It is primarily a slideshow presentation, designed for medium-to-large audiences. It consists mostly of a lecture, with a few live demonstrations and a few audience interactions.

Objectives

Big Idea:

Nanotechnology can have a big impact on the future of energy.

Learning goals:

Identify a few potential applications where nano might impact alternative and renewable energies:
a. Solar cells can be made cheaper and easier with nanotechnology.
b. Carbon nanotube transmission lines would reduce energy loss.
c. Nanotech-enhanced LED lighting saves energy.

NISE Net Content Map:

Scientists and engineers have formed the interdisciplinary field of nanotechnology by investigating properties and manipulating matter at the nanoscale.

Nanoscience, nanotechnology, and nanoengineering lead to new knowledge and innovations that weren't possible before.

Universal design:

Repeat and reinforce main ideas and concepts.

Provide multiple entry points and multiple ways of engagement

Credits

Developed for the NISE Network with funding from the National Science Foundation under Award Numbers 0532536 and 0940143. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this product are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation.

Funding:

Development of this product was funded by the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center headquartered at Harvard University, the Center for High-rate Nanomanufacturing at Northeastern University, U Mass Lowell, and University of New Hampshire, and the NISE Network, with support from NSF.

Owning institution:

Museum of Science, Boston

Checklist

Scientist reviewed? check_reviewed

Peer reviewed? check_reviewed

Visitor evaluation? check_reviewed

Nano Topics

Energy and environment, Fundamentals

Audience

11 and up

Permissions

Creative Commons
Attribution Non-Commercial Share Alike

Resources

Download all files (ZIP)

Solar Film 1

Solar Film 2

Solar Paint

See FAQ #10 to learn more about downloading NISE Net video

Video:

Evaluations

Energy & Nanotechnology

During the NISE Program Workshop at Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, school groups provided feedback on a variety of nano programs. The programs were performed in January 2007. 56 visitors (students, teachers, and chaperones) completed self-administered surveys about the Nanotechnology and Energy program. Read more

Year 5 Summative Evaluation of Exhibits and Programs

As part of the overall summative evaluation of the first five years of the NISE Network, the Year 5 Exhibits and Programs Study examines the measurable impacts of these public products on museum visitors. Read more

Comments

Science Museum of Minnesota

Submitted by rwall@smm.org on Thu, 08/25/2011 - 13:46.

The Science Museum of Minnesota has a shorter version of this program. The Science Museum's 'hack'is approximately 15 minutes in duration and is meant for large audiences.

Please contact Stephanie Long for more information.

Stephanie Long
slong@smm.org
651-221-2587

At the Regional Nano

Submitted by mepstein on Fri, 01/16/2009 - 09:57.

At the Regional Nano workshop in Philadelphia, our group, including me and four museum educators, viewed this presentation then modified it to present to the workshop participants. Our goal was to make the presentation more participatory and kinesthetic.

Audience members were recruited to play the part of sunshine and CO2 as part of a greenhouse effect demonstration. As the first group to present to the wider workshop audience, the increased audience participation was an effective way to engage the audience after a long day.

On the whole, I think that this presentation is great as it's written here. It's slightly more complex and scientific than some of the other presentations, and I think it will prove to be very useful for presentations to educated but uninformed parties in Washington, DC.

When I presented this to my

Submitted by Sarah Maine on Thu, 01/15/2009 - 13:20.

When I presented this to my colleagues for review, we were collectively trying the various components. The hand-held generator broke after only three uses, and this was with adults using it. I would recommended finding a more sturdy model if you plan to allow children the opportunity to use the generator, or be prepared to replace it often.

The solar panel piece is a great component. I like the idea of participants having an opportunity to assemble a circuit that utilizes a solar panel as an alternative energy source. So I modified this portion. Participants are provided with a solar panel that has lead wires attached, and an LED. It is a simple assembly, but leads to a great discussion about alternative energy and the need for the improvement of solar cells. This then leads to a discussion about the focus of scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory's Center for Functional Nanomaterials. These scientists are working to improve solar cells by making components of the solar cells, such as catalysts and semi-conductors nano. This entire piece takes about 20 minutes, and has been incorporated into a two hour lesson on nanotechnology.

When I gave this

Submitted by Anders Liljeholm on Fri, 09/12/2008 - 11:50.

When I gave this presentation, I added in a little more Intro to Nano stuff. I used the first few slides from the Wonderful World of Carbon Nanotubes.