Newsletter: September 2016

We are pleased to announce the new project, ChemAttitudes, funded by the National Science Foundation. The ChemAttitudes project is a collaboration between the NISE Network and the American Chemical Society, and builds on the existing NISE Net infrastructure to raise the capacity of museums and informal science educators to engage the public in chemistry. Using design-based research, this project will develop a kit of educational activities that point the way to greater interest, relevance, and self-efficacy among museum visitors and those who attend events like National Chemistry Week. Two-hundred and fifty (250) physical kits will be developed and distributed in 2018 to partners through a competitive award process. Learn more about this new project at http://www.nisenet.org/chemattitudes. 
 

The National Informal STEM Education Network (NISE Net) is pleased to offer 250 free Explore Science: Earth & Space 2017 toolkits to new and existing eligible partners in the US. In collaboration with NASA, the NISE Network has assembled a new set of engaging, hands-on Earth and space science experiences with connections to science, technology, and society. In addition to the physical toolkits, all digital materials will be available online for free download in February 2017.

• Explore Science: Earth & Space toolkit applications are due November 4, 2016. To learn how to apply for an Explore Science: Earth & Space toolkit, please go to http://www.nisenet.org/earthspacekit-apply. 
• Join us for a free online workshop on Tuesday, September 13th from 2-3pm Eastern to learn more about this project, the toolkit contents and the application process [sign up now]. 

→ Building with Biology: Engaging the public in conversations about synthetic biology → National Informal STEM Education (NISE) Network transitioning to new regional hub structure  

 

We look forward to seeing many partners at the upcoming ASTC Conference later this month in Tampa, FL. The NISE Network is hosting a number of activities that we hope you can join us for. NISE Network activities at ASTC include: 

• NISE Network informal happy hour gathering of network partners on Friday, September 23rd from 5-7 PM at The Sail Pavilion. No RSVP required.
• The NISE Network invites staff from partner institutions to an informal breakfast on Sunday, September 25th from 7:30-8:30 AM at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel (Meeting Rooms 8/9) to learn about transition plans to the National Informal STEM Education Network, new project opportunities, and to meet other Network partners from across the country. No RSVP required. 
• NISE Network booth (#723 and #822) in the exhibit hall, which will feature public engagement activities, partner resources, and information about upcoming project opportunities. 
• Network partners are involved in a number of conference sessions around STEM topics, evaluation, and national collaborative networks - see list of sessions.

→ NanoGagliato: Where science meets the people in Calabria, Italy

 

→  Connecticut educators learn to "Build with Biology" with Southern Connecticut State University Faculty & 2016 iGEM team

→ Engineering inside and out at Science Central in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Nanoparticles that speed blood clotting may someday save lives

Severe trauma resulting in internal bleeding is a top killer of children and younger adults. Currently, doctors are only able to use surgery to stop blood loss inside the body, however, researchers recently shared their work that used nanoparticles to help with blood clotting for treating internal bleeding. Delivered intravenously, the nanoparticles act as a bridge, binding to activated platelets and helping them join together to form clots. Initial studies have shown this process to work in stopping internal bleeding in rodents, but the next stages are proving this to work in human blood without triggering an immune response to fight off the nanoparticles. Researchers have also developed these nanoparticles that are stable at higher temperatures and are hopeful that one day they'll be used to save lives from the ambulance to the battlefield.

 

→ Earth and Space News

NISE Net's ideas for incorporating current science, engineering, and technology into holidays, seasons, annual events, and special events. Visit http://www.nisenet.org/seasons for more!

• National Pollution Prevention Week (September 19 - 25)
• Astronomy Day (October 8)
• World Space Week (October 4 - 10)
• Earth Science Week (October 9 - 15)
• Metric Day (October 10)
• Nuclear Science Week (October 17 - 21)
• Halloween (October 31)
• Campus Sustainability Month (October)

Nano-related hands-on activities and program ideas for back to school and National Chemistry Week activities

 

 

Back to School (September)

• K-12 lesson plans 
• collaboration with K-12 class on Nanoparticle Stained Glass project 
• Theater High School Program videos 
• pencils and writing with graphite - Forms of Carbon 
• Exploring Materials - Graphene hands-on activity (related to pencils, graphite, and tape) 
• Nobel Winning Experiment Mr. O video (related to pencils, graphite, and tape) 
• Material Marvels with Ainissa Ramirez video - Graphene (related to pencils and graphite) 
• After School Framework