Society, policy, and economics

Nano is an interactive exhibition that engages family audiences in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. Hands-on exhibits present the basics of nanoscience and engineering, introduce some real world applications, and explore the societal and ethical implications of this new technology. Nano was created by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Network) with support from the National Science Foundation. The Nano exhibition is intended for long-term display in museums across the United States, where it will engage millions of people. Up to fifty copies of Nano will be fabricated; all copies will be identical and distributed to museum partners free of charge. The exhibition complements NanoDays events and other NISE Network educational experiences.

"Engaging the Public in Nano" provides an overview of key concepts in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology, as identified by the NISE Network. This document is intended as a resource for educators and others who engage the public in informal learning experiences.

This is a framework for a summer camp for campers aged 8 - 10 years. Campers learn about nanoscale science and engineering through hands-on activities. The framework can be delivered in 5 half-day (1.5 – 2 hour) sessions. Alternately, the sessions do not have to be delivered consecutively. The first session (Intro to Science and Technology on the Nanoscale) can be used on its own or paired with any of the other four sessions.

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.

The NISE Network, in collaboration with the Center for Nanotechnology in Society at Arizona State University, developed a series of posters and related reference sheets to engage adults and older youth in informal educational experiences related to the societal and ethical implications of nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. The posters are intended to initiate conversations exploring the relationship between nanotechnology and society. They can be presented as a stand-alone exhibit, or paired with suggested activities as an educator-facilitated experience.

Be a part of the buzz! See what’s new with nano. NanoBuzz is a web-based kiosk featuring exhibit-ready access to current nanoscale science, technology and engineering and emerging research in the news. Discuss issues, ask questions, take a poll, meet scientists, and post your own stories, images, questions and comments. NanoBuzz requires a web connection to automatically update the station with current nano news and to allow visitors to send emails from the kiosk.

Visitors "travel through time" with a host playing several characters: from the Future, 1900, 1945 and 1999. Visitors answer questions in a quiz about other people's predictions of future technology, and then are invited to make their own predictions.

A set of 10 videos capturing thoughts and voices on various subjects from researchers and museum professionals involved in the NISE Net community.

This 50-minute program includes an introduction to the nano-scale science, conversation time for the participants and 2 ten-minute plays that stimulate conversation about the impact the field of nanoscale science may have on our lives. It also gets the audience thinking about how we should respond -- both individually and collectively -- to those potential impacts. This program was performed at the Science Museum of Minnesota and as an outreach program. The plays have also been performed individually as part of forums.

Linked product - AVAILABLE FOR $34.99 AT: www.talkingnano.net (FOR PURCHASE ORDERS: call 617.589.4484 or email us at info@talkingnano.net). This 6-video DVD set features Don Eigler, George Whitesides, David Rejeski, Eric Mazur, Tim Miller, and, as a bonus, The Amazing Nano Brothers Juggling Show. It provides a basic Nano 101 introduction to nanotechnology, potential applications, implications, and impacts. Designed for classroom, informal, and professional development use, the videos are tightly edited with close-ups and illustrations. Each video is individually chaptered and menued, allowing quick access to particular content areas.