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...
Three Drops is a full body immersive simulation that allows visitors to interact with water at three size scales using their shadows. At each scale, different physical forces can be observed. At the macro (human) scale, where gravity is the...
The Engineering is Elementary after-school modules were developed as part of the Engineering is Everywhere project, an engineering curriculum for middle school-aged youth in afterschool and camp programs. Engineering Everywhere empowers youth to tackle real-world engineering problems using the engineering design...
This activity models some of the ways natural processes, such as erosion and sediment pollution, affect Earth’s landscape. Data collected from satellites, such as the joint NASA/USGS Landsat satellites, help improve our understanding of Earth’s land cover. Orbiting Earth, these satellites...
"What's in the Water" lets participants use tools to solve a mystery: what chemicals and compounds are in a sample of water. By investigating with a variety of tools and techniques learners understand how chemistry can help us explore, understand...
"Exploring Earth: Paper Mountains" lets participants explore the way the shape of the land and the pull of gravity influence how water moves over Earth. By making unique mountain models from crumpled paper and watching how water moves across them...
Photograph of drops of water sitting on a purple hydrophobic sand. The sand coated with a nano thin layer that makes it repel the water.
Photograph of water droplets sitting on Nanotex fabric.
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 hands-on SustainABLE activity is meant to promote conversation about how water is distributed and used, and how we can work together to conserve this limited resource. In different parts of the country, guests may be familiar with different issues...
Vector illustrations of ball-and-stick models of ice structure on a black or white background.
"Nano sand" is a product that was originally invented to help clean up oil spills in water. Since the "nano sand" is hydrophobic, it does not let water molecules pass through. It does, however, let oil molecules pass through. When...
The Lotus Effect describes water droplets rolling off leaf surfaces, removing dirt and contaminants in the process. This phenomenon can also be seen in the more common nasturtium. Scanning electron microscope images show that nasturtium leaves are covered by waxy...
Nanoscale science and technology ("nano" for short) is all around us and growing rapidly. Learn how you can use nanotechnology to clean drinking water right now!
NanoBuzz is a web-based kiosk featuring exhibit-ready access to current nanoscale science, technology and engineering and emerging research in the news. Website includes four online puzzle games: Help assemble the carbon nanotubes, Help filter the water, Try to find the...
"Exploring Size - Ball Sorter" is a hands-on activity in which visitors use sieves with different-sized holes, to sort balls by size. They learn that researchers are developing new technologies that can sort nano-sized things, including filters with nano-sized holes.
A formative evaluation was conducted on Three Drops, an Immersive Digital Interactive (IDI), that allows visitors to interact with simulations of water at different size scales where different physical forces dominate. This evaluation revisits the exhibit after changes were made...