nanotechnology

This program examines and explores social and ethical issues of consumer products from the past, present and future. Audience members are asked to weigh the risks versus the benefits. The audience members are responsible for making choices on what products to buy, question, or not buy for themselves, their families, and their communities in this fun and interactive show.

Science rapper Mike Wilson AKA Coma Niddy has created several different nanotechnology videos. Did you know that silver has antimicrobial abilities? The same silver that is in jewelry can kill germs, fungus and bacteria. Some scientists have developed nano-silver which is even more effective at blasting away germs. Learn all about here at Coma Niddy University!

"Nanotechnology Spin-a-Prize!" introduces visitors to the basics of nanoscale science, engineering, and technology (“nano”) through a game show format. Visitors learn that nanometer-sized things are small and often behave differently than larger things do, and that work in this emerging field leads to new knowledge and innovations. Visitors also consider the ways that nanotechnology will affect our lives.

Visitors will engage in activities showing various natural phenomena that scientists and engineers have emulated to address human problems. Visitors view peacock feathers at different angles to see iridescence, apply drops of water to observe the color changes, and look at other examples of iridescence in nature, such as a blue Morpho butterfly, tropical beetle wings, and abalone shells. Visitors also explore the Lotus Effect by applying drops of water onto Lotusan paint and stain resistant fabrics, two technologies that mimic the Lotus effect. A flip-book shows examples of iridescence and the Lotus effect, as well as microscopic and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. Visitors can take home a peacock feather and a TryThis! card describing iridescence and an activity to do at home.

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 has different size particles on its surface: macro, micro, and nano. The visitors predict how a drop of water will behave on each surface and then test their prediction.

Every time we use a credit card, swipe a subway pass, or send an email we are sharing personal information about ourselves. Just how is the information used? How do we balance an individual’s right to privacy vs. community safety? What do you consider a civil liberty? And who ultimately sets these standards? This forum asks participants to consider and discuss several nanotechnology application scenarios and the possible opportunities, impacts, risks, and benefits. Forum participants will deliberate in small groups and create a group response to the overarching question, “how can nanotechnology affect someone’s privacy”. Finally, each group will make a brief report to everyone on the group’s thoughts and recommendations.

This forum asks participants to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of three options. They will also have the opportunity to raise questions about the societal and environmental implications of nanotechnology to a panel of experts. Participants will work in small groups to form a group recommendation drawing from the options presented—perhaps adding or combining elements, or creating a totally new option representing your group’s view on the issue. They are not limited to the three options presented for discussion. If the group cannot reach agreement on a recommendation, have them identify the items they agree upon and those on which they differ. Finally, each group will make a brief report to everyone on the group’s recommendations.