self-assembly

The "Sweet Self-Assembly" program focuses on the creation of macrocapsules using self-assembly techniques. Participants make edible macrocapsules using techniques similar to those being used in laboratories to make nanocapsules or “smart drugs”.

"Exploring Fabrication - Self-Assembly" includes several full-body interactive games visitors can play to model the process of self-assembly in nature and nanotechnology. Visitors learn that self-assembly is a process by which molecules and cells form themselves into functional structures.

“Ready, Set, Self-Assemble” is a full-body program which introduces visitors to the concept of self-assembly in a fun and energetic way. Through the use of three full-body, interactive games, visitors explore the phenomena of self-assembly and its possible uses in nanotechnology.

"Snowflakes" is a public presentation that introduces nanoscale science through the subject of snowflakes. Visitors learn that the complex structure of snowflakes results from the nanoscale arrangement of water molecules in an ice crystal, and that snowflakes are examples of self-assembled systems studied by nanoscientists. During the program, visitors watch videos of snowflakes growing and observe real ice crystals growing in a chilled chamber.

Visitors see how nanomaterials are able to form tiny structures called nanoscaffolds that help the body repair damaged muscle, bone, and nerve tissues. In the interactive, an injured nerve is unable to communicate messages. After injecting nanoparticles, visitors can watch as the nerve endings grow back together, and sensory messages are once again able to reach the brain.

"Exploring Fabrication - Gummy Capsules" lets visitors make self-assembled polymer spheres. They learn that self-assembly is a process by which molecules and cells form themselves into functional structures, and that self-assembly is used to make nanocapsules that can deliver medication.

This activity developed by NNIN explores how nanotechnology can be used to change the properties of a copper surface so that it either attracts or repels water. It is appropriate for middle school and high school students.

"DNA Fingerprinting Activity" is a complete lesson with experiments and PowerPoint presentations that uses beads to explore self-assembly and DNA fingerprinting. Several experimental approaches to working with materials that are both too small to be seen and too numerous to be counted are covered. (Restriction Fragment Length Polymerization, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Short Tandem Repeat DNA Analysis, and gel electrophoresis.) This is a product from the NanoEd Resource Portal.

Demonstrations that the NNIN Education Office at Georgia Institute of Technology uses with visiting groups A demo that introduces encapsulation, diffusion and osmosis is on page 17.