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"Exploring Structures - DNA" is a hands-on activity in which visitors create a necklace of wheat germ DNA. They learn that self-assembly is a process by which molecules and cells form themselves into functional structures.

Nanoscale science and technology ("nano" for short) is all around us and growing rapidly. Discovery how nanotechnology found in nature may eventually be applied to make even the most mundane tasks like scrubbing toilets a thing of the past!

Scanning electron microscope image of the surface of a lotus leaf. • SIZE: Scale bar representes 200 µm • IMAGING TOOL: Table-top Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

"DNA Nanotechnology" is a facilitated, hands-on activity exploring deoxyribonucleic acid, a nanoscale structure that occurs in nature. Visitors extract a sample of DNA from split peas and put it in an Eppendorf tube to take home. They learn that nanoscientists...

This formative evaluation was conducted to see how the addition of an interactive media piece enhanced visitors' understanding of Nasturtium, a life sciences exhibit that demonstrates the water repelling properties of nasturtium leaves. The media piece allows the visitor to...

In this film "Zoom into a Lotus Leaf," see an up close look at the tiny nanostructures that give the leaf its unique behavior. The Lotus Leaf is a symbol of purity because it appears to be perpetually clean. We...

Sand, Plants and Pants is a hands-on activity exploring how the application of nano-sized particles or substances can change a bigger material’s properties. Visitors investigate the hydrophobic properties of plants, nano-fabric pants and magic sand.

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...

In this episode of O Wow Moments from the Children’s Museum of Houston, Mr. O is up against the supervillain Dr. Blot and his desire to stain everyone! Actually, it's just a fun excuse to examine how nanotechnology and nanoscale...

"Lotus Leaf Effect" is a cart demo that demonstrates how nature inspires nanotechnology by sharing how nanoscale features on a surface can influence how a material behaves at the macroscale. Visitors learn that lotus leaves (and many other plant leaves)...

In this interactive piece, visitors can zoom into the structures on the surface of a nasturtium leaf. Electron micrographs reveal the nanoscale structures that make water bead on the surface of the leaf. Zoom Into a Nasturtium Leaf can be...

Scanning electron microscope image of the surface of a lotus leaf. • SIZE: Scale bar representes 100 µm • IMAGING TOOL: Table-top Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)