Programs

NISE Net defines public programs as interactions with the public that are facilitated by museum professionals. NISE Net partners have been working on a variety of programs types, including large lectures, small floor demonstrations, comedy and theater pieces, and quiz and game shows.

Visitor reactions to our nano programs have been encouraging.
Because so many visitors are unfamiliar with nano and many lack knowledge of the basic science concepts needed to truly understand nanoscale science and engineering, finding ways to engage the public in this topic can be a challenge.
Facilitated programs offer the opportunity for presenters to tailor content to suit the knowledge base of the audience at hand, and also allows for active dialog between the presenter and the audience. This kind of interaction helps audiences connect to the topic quickly; it also helps us refine our programs to respond to common audience needs.

While flexibility is one of the primary advantages of using public programs as a platform for content dissemination, another advantage is that public programs are replicable. We are documenting our programs (with instructions, materials lists, video examples, scripts, etc.) so that they can easily be adopted or adapted for use in other institutions. The low cost of reproducing these materials (most of which will be posted on nisenet.org), coupled with the ease of substituting new information, makes programs ideally suited for a wide-ranging and dynamic field like nanoscale science and engineering.

Below is a partial list of the public programs under development by NISE Net. You may click on the titles for further information regarding the format, duration, intended audience, and development/distribution status of each program.

Programs overview

Surface Area

Author: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Format: Small Group Demonstration
Audience: 8 and up
Length: 15 Min.

Synopsis: In this tabletop demonstration program, visitors unfold cubes, test potatoes for starch and see fireballs to understand how surface area to volume ratio depends on absolute size. By using concepts and materials with which the average visitor is familiar, this program makes an essential point about the less-familiar realm of nanoscale science and engineering.

Exploring Ferrofluids

Author: University of Wisconsin, Madison - MRSEC/ERG
Format: Tabletop Demonstration
Audience: 6 and up
Length: 10 Min.

Synopsis: In this demonstration, visitors are introduced to ferrofluids. They use magnets to manipulate samples of ferrofluid. A model is used to show that ferrofluids are magnetic nanoparticles surrounded by surfactant. Replacing some of the surfactant with therapeutic agents for targeted drug delivery is one possible medical application of ferrofluids.

The World of Carbon Nanotubes

Author: Museum of Science, Boston
Format: Large Lecture
Audience: 12 and up
Length: 20 Min.

Synopsis: This program provides an overview to one of the most exciting new nano-materials, the carbon nanotube. Tracing the discovery of this material through history, and discussing some of its fascinating properties and influential new applications, this lecture-style program offers an accessible point of entry for further exploration into nanoscale materials science.

Wheel of the Future

Author: Science Museum of Minnesota
Format: GameShow, Large or Small Groups
Audience: 8 and up
Length: 15 Min.

Synopsis: This program encourages audience members to actively participate making decisions about the use of nano-enabled technologies. The program begins with a series of short articles about new discoveries and their potential impacts on society. The audience is then split into teams, and answers a series of questions about the stories they have just heard, spinning a wheel to determine the point value and outcome of their decisions. While the volume of content this program can convey is smaller, it has been hugely successful in engaging a young audience.

Energy and Nanotechnology

Author:Museum of Science, Boston
Format: Stage Presentation, Large Lecture
Audience: 12 and up
Length: 20 Min.

Synopsis: This program discusses the many applications of research in nanoscale science and engineering to renewable energy technologies. It begins by framing the discussion in terms of rising greenhouse gas emissions, and discusses the need to ween industrialized societies from fossil fuels. It then discusses potential applications of nanotechnological research in this field, including low-cost LED lighting, and next-generation solar power technologies.