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We want you to rave about NanoDays, but first please provide 1-2 sentence descriptions of each of your events.:
We have been giving a series of demonstrations related to nanoscience at ECHO Science Center (Burlington, Vermont). Here is the synopsis that appeared on the ECHO web site (www.echovermont.org):
Session 1: May 25 Forms of Carbon
Come learn about the amazing diversity in the phases of carbon - diamonds to buckyballs and nanotubes - from physicists at the University of Vermont. "See" carbon nanotubes being made in front of your eyes! Guests will get a chance to make their own buckyball model and explore the various properties of graphite and diamond.
Session 2: June 21 Nanosurfaces
Objects on the nanoscale often behave differently from those we are used to seeing at the everyday macroscopic scale. Come join physicists from the University of Vermont as they demonstrate some of these interesting materials that illustrate the promise of nanotechnology. Do you know sand can be made to "fear" water? We will explore some examples of nanostructured surfaces.
Session 3: July 10 Liquid Crystals
Join physicists from the University of Vermont and explore the mysterious world of liquid crystals. Liquid crystals are used in products all around us - from thermometers to televisions. Ever wonder how those LCD projectors work? Come see one "turned inside out" and discover the secret! Guests will be able to examine various types of LCD's and their fascinating properties.
Session 4: August 14 Nanomaterials and You
Along with physicists from the University of Vermont, come and experience the strange properties of a magnetic fluid and other nanomaterials. Did you know the size of a particle can determine its color? Guests will be able to "handle" seldom seen nanomaterials and learn about their surprising properties.
What worked well with your events?:
We were able to recreate many of the demonstrations found on the U Wisconsin nano web site. They were very popular.
What wasn't as successful?:
The public is obsessed with applications of the nanoscience, while our interests are more toward the scientific phenomena.
What would you do differently next year?:
We should probably do a better job connecting the effects to future technologies.
What changes did you make to what NISE provided to fit your institution?:
While we learned from the information on the NISE web pages, we got the meat of our demonstrations from the UW web site.
Tell us if there is anything that the NISE network could have done to make your NanoDays more of a success:
We didn't learn of Nanodays until March. We couldn't schedule our events until after the formal window for NanoDays, but the idea has led us to cultivate a relationship with our local science center--something that we can expand on in the future.
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Who are you?:
Who else in your institution helped organize and participated in this event?:
David Hammond, Department of Physics, University of Vermont
Who did you collaborate with from <em>outside</em> your institution? (Please note if this relationship began with NanoDays):
Linda Bowden, Program Coordinator, ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center
(This relationship was precipitated by NanoDays.)
Please list any featured presenters or speakers (if any):
Dennis Clougherty, University of Vermont, Professor of Physics
Please tell us how your NanoDays were marketed.:
The ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center took care of all the advertising. The events appeared on their web site and in the local newspapers (Burlington Free Press, Seven Days etc.) The ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center's web site is www.echovermont.org
