Programs

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 to create the OLEDs.

In this cart demo, visitors learn about organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Prior to presenting this demo, an OLED should be made in a chemistry lab. This OLED is shown to visitors during the cart demo. During the demo, visitors learn how OLEDs work and what devices currently use OLEDs. Additionally, this activity includes a demonstration of spin coating, which is a process used to make OLEDs.

In this hands-on activity, visitors explore the structure of seashells and learn that seashells are a composite material made of both inorganic and organic materials. Visitors compare the mechanical properties of plaster bricks and dried sheets of glue, which helps them discover that both toughness and hardness are important mechanical properties. To see what a shell would be like if it were not so tough, visitors try to break normal shells and shells that have been either baked or soaked in bleach.

In this activity, visitors watch as a crystal self-assembles instantly! During this activity visitors learn what crystals are and how they grow. They also discover that self-assembly is an important process for many naturally occurring systems.

“Nanotube Models” is a facilitated tabletop program aimed at educating the public about the properties and applications of carbon nanotubes. Visitors will be able to use Molecular Visions model kits to build carbon nanotubes. The models can be started by museum staff and added onto by visitors, or pre-built to be used as a display. The models can also be accompanied by other NISE Net programs that focus on carbon nanotubes to increase the engagement and enhance the models.

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!

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.

This hour long classroom program introduces nano science and nanotechnology as a leading, cutting edge science with an emphasis on nano in nature, health, energy and the environment. The class includes a PowerPoint presentation, three minute video, nine self-guided activities set up as “stations” around the classroom along with a concluding, teacher facilitated class discussion. This program was created for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s (OMSI) Outreach Unit. It has been designed for 4th – 8th graders and travels to elementary and middle schools in seven states around the Pacific Northwest.

"Nanotechnology: Small Science, Big Impact!" provides an overview of nanoscale science, engineering, and technology, and includes a variety of hands-on activities and demonstrations.

Flip between macro and nanoscale images of familiar objects to learn about ways that nanotechnology is inspired by nature, surprising properties at the nanoscale, and new applications in nanotechnology. Includes print your own cards.