The NISE Network content map articulates the key ideas for our educational products, including programs, exhibits, and media experiences. It presents the content knowledge the network has identified as the most important for engaging the public in learning about nanoscale...
This is a stage presentation, designed for audiences of 11 and up, intended to give a broad overview and introduction to the subject of nanotechnology. The talk attempts to answer three basic questions about nanotech: How is It New, What...
Tiny Particles, Big Trouble explains why some nanoscale science and technology is done in the controlled environment of a clean room, what clean rooms are like, and how scientists help keep the clean room clean. During the program, visitors sniff...
In "Exploring the Universe: Exoplanet Transits," participants simulate one of the methods scientists use to discover planets orbiting distant stars. Even when a planet is too far away to observe directly, scientists can infer its presence by watching for slight,...
"The Future of Computing" is a public presentation that examines trends in computing technology and predicts what the future of computing might hold for us. Visitors are introduced to the idea of smaller, nanoscale transistors as the key to faster,...
This report is the formative evaluation for the "Computing the Future" presentation, a presentation concerned with both the history of computers and the ways in which nanotechnology is changing how computers are built and operated.
This poster features an illustration of a computer chip across ten orders of magnitude, from the computer chip to the atoms of which it is made. Using the conventions of visual perspective the image travels in one continuous "landscape" from...
In this classroom activity, students learn about organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). During the activity students make OLEDs, learn how OLEDs work, and discover what devices currently use OLEDs. Students also learn about spin coating since a spin coater is used...
This zoom video explores the inner-workings of a microchip. We start with a digital camera and transition to a scanning electron microscope. You'll see the tiny wires and the cris-crossing patterns of the microchip's circuits while learning a bit about...
Ideas for incorporating current science, engineering, and technology content into holidays, seasons, annual events, and special events: from STEM-themed events like National Chemistry Week and Astronomy Day to holidays like Halloween and Valentine's Day!
This activity is designed for high school students. In this experiment students use UV light to transfer a pattern (either a network of very small metal wires or self-drawn patterns) onto a surface-- a plastic board. The pattern is transferred...
In this cart demo, visitors learn about organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Prior to presenting this demo, an OLED should be made in a chemistry lab. This OLED is shown to visitors during the cart demo. During the demo, visitors learn...
"Exploring Products - Computer Hard Drives" is a hands on activity in which visitors use floating ring magnets to store data. They learn that computer hard drives are one of the most common applications of nanotechnology.
This is a framework for a school field trip of students aged 8 - 11 years. Students learn about nanoscale science and engineering through hands-on activities. The framework is intended to be delivered in a one hour session.
This scanning electron micrograph shows a nanomechanical torsion oscillator used by computer engineers to measure extremely small amounts of torque. A nanomechanical torsion oscillator is used to measure extremely small torsion or twisting forces smaller than those created by the...
How can we mass-produce sophisticated products from materials too small to see? "From Lab to Fab" follows the story of two nanotech entrepreneurs navigating the rocky road from discovery to commercialization, with products ranging from tiny implantable body sensors to...
An overview of nanotechnology developed by IEEE, IBM, and the New York Hall of Science. The website includes information on materials and applications, interviews with nanotechnology experts, and extensive online resources such as lesson plans, games, and images.
By: M. Gail Jones, Michael R. Falvo, Amy R. Taylor, and Bethany P. Broadwell NSTA Press Book, 2007 ISBN 978-1-93353-105-2 Member Price: $20.76, Nonmember Price: $25.95 Grade Level: Middle School, High School
Australian animated videos on nanoscience scale (Part 1) and properties (Part 2). Underpinning an understanding of nanotechnology are two foundational aspects. First appreciating the nanoscale - how might we imagine one billionth of a meter? And second exploring novel nano...
Zoom into Nano (formerly "Too Small to See") is a traveling exhibition on nanotechnology owned, toured and managed by the Sciencenter. This 5,000 sq. ft. exhibition focuses on how scientists see and make things that are too small to see.
This scanning electron microscope image shows a zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowire photodetector device grown by photolithography. Nanowires geometry and structure make them both sensitive to light and efficient low-noise signaling devices, so they are ideally suited for applications involving light—such...
In the semiconductor industry scientists take advantage of diffusion to "dope" or introduce atoms into a silicon wafer to change its conductive properties. The lesson simulates the diffusion of a gas phase substance (ammonia) into a solid substrate (gelatin) and...
Host Ira Flatow focuses on various nano related topics and issues. Podcasts are available to stream from the Scince Friday website. Available episodes cover recent developments and directions for research in the fields of nanomaterials and nanotechnology. Topics include, imaging...
Provides experiments in nanoscience for high school classes developed by graduate students at the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) and the Materials Creation Training Program (MCTP).