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Public engagement resources for the Monday April 8, 2024 Solar Eclipse
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Children looking at Gecko with magnifying glass

Biomimicry

A collection of biomimicry resources and examples of how technology can imitate natural phenomena and processes. Public engagement biomimicry activity examples include: self-cleaning surfaces and fabrics inspired by the lotus leaf effect observed in some plant leaves, sticky materials inspired by gecko feet, photonics crystals using structural color similar to the iridescent properties of some insects, bird feathers, and shells.
Overview
Scanning Electron Microscope of Synthetic Gecko Tape

Biomimicry: Synthetic Gecko Tape through Nanomolding

In this long activity, learners make a synthetic gecko tape with micron sized hairs that mimics that behavior of the gecko foot.
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Magnified image of a hair from a gecko's foot using a Scanning Electron Microscope.

Scientific Image - Single Hair from a Gecko's Foot

Magnified image of a hair from a gecko's foot using a Scanning Electron Microscope.
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Magnified image of a gecko foot using a Scanning Electron Microscope.

Scientific Image - Gecko Foot

Magnified image of a gecko foot using a Scanning Electron Microscope.
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Magnified image of nanotubes mimicking gecko feet using a Scanning Electron Microscope.

Scientific Image - Nanotubes Mimicking Gecko Feet

Magnified image of nanotubes mimicking gecko feet using a Scanning Electron Microscope.
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Magnified image of a gecko's foot using a Scanning Electron Microscope.

Scientific Image - Gecko Foot

Magnified image of a gecko's foot using a Scanning Electron Microscope.
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Magnified image of a gecko's toe using a Scanning Electron Microscope.

Scientific Image - Gecko Toe

Magnified image of a gecko's toe using a Scanning Electron Microscope.
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Magnified image of a gecko foot using an Optical Microscope.

Scientific Image - Gecko Foot

Magnified image of a gecko foot using an Optical Microscope.
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Children looking at Gecko with magnifying glass

Biomimicry: From Nature to Nanotech

In this long activity, learners will engage in activities showing various natural phenomena that scientists and engineers have emulated to address human problems.
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What is nano about museum labels thumbnails of signs featuring signs of hot-chocolate, hamburger, glass of water, a window, and a toilet

Nano Museum Labels (Graphic Signs)

These museum graphic labels highlight everyday connections to nanoscale science including: chocolate, food packaging, water, a window, paint, a toilet, a soap bubble, fashion, a sock, a pencil, a butterfly, a gecko, a laptop, an elevator, and a local city.
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Girl holding sand in hands

Exploring Products - Kinetic Sand

In this activity, learners investigate and compare the properties of Kinetic Sand and regular sand.
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Young girl stacks large blocks with images on them

Build a Giant Puzzle!

In this activity, learners assemble blocks to make images and discover how different objects are connected to nanotechnology.
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Formative Evaluation icon with blue background and image of a buckyball structure

Biomimicry 2010 Formative Evaluation

Formative evaluation for the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network.
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Rochester Museum & Science Center

Partner Highlight: NISE Network Kits Help Rochester Museum & Science Center Bring Traveling Exhibits to Life

August 6, 2018
Calvin Uzelmeier, Rochester Museum & Science Center
The late Congresswoman Louise Slaughter was a great friend to the Rochester Museum & Science Center ( RMSC ) and the communities she served in New York’s 25th District. She was also one of the few scientists in Congress, and...
Blog
National chemistry week logo

National Chemistry Week

National Chemistry Week is a community based program of the American Chemical Society (ACS). NISE Network has compiled a set of resources and activities suitable for National Chemistry Week, Chemists Celebrate Earth Week, and chemistry events.
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2009 NISE Network Annual Meeting

September 12, 2009 - September 14, 2009
The 2009 Annual Meeting was held in San Francisco and hosted by the Exploratorium. The meeting featured a professional development sessions, scientist talks, showcase of programs and exhibits, concurrent sessions, and opportunities for NISE Network partners to meet and share...
Event
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find answers to your common questions about the NISE Network.
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NISE Newsletter Logo with a newspaper icon on the left

Newsletter: March 2020

Check out this month's NISE Network newsletter for the latest project and professional development opportunities, upcoming events, community announcements, science news, and much more.
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Earth Day 2010

March 26, 2010
Vrylena Olney
Earth Day is April 22nd , and there are lots of potential Earth Day - nano ties. Here's a sample of resources, activities, and articles that might be relevant: → Energy (general) NISE Net Stage Presentation: Energy and Nanotechnology (be...
Blog

Partner Highlight: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Due!

September 3, 2014
Christina Akers, Science Museum of Minnesota and Midwest Regional Hub Leader
Are you thinking about applying for a 2015 NISE Network mini-grant ? Then keep two important things in mind: 1) applications are due October 1, 2014 and 2) there are four years worth of examples for you to draw from...
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NISE Network sending partners with Nano exhibition a refill kit to extend the life of the exhibition

December 1, 2016
Christina Leavell
What’s the hottest item of the 2016 Holiday Season? The Nano mini-exhibition refill kit of course! The NISE Network has developed a kit of resources to replenish select components of the Nano mini-exhibition. Partner sites receiving the refill kit have...
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2009 Annual Meeting Sessions

DAY 1, MONDAY, SEPT. 14 WHAT'S GOING ON...
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Partner Highlight: "Making More of the MOST" Out of Museum and Community Partnerships at the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology in Syracuse, NY

August 11, 2015
Kayla Berry, Museum of Science, Boston
During the summer months, youth often have more free time on their hands, and many families find themselves seeking ways to keep their children safe and engaged when not in school. Youth-serving and community-based organizations such as the Boys &...
Blog
NISE Newsletter Logo with a newspaper icon on the left

Newsletter: April 2023

APRIL 2023 NETWORK NEWS Apply for Voyage through the Solar System kit by May 15, 2023 The NISE Network is pleased to offer 350 free physical Explore Science: Voyage through the Solar System activity kits to eligible institutions in the
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NISE Newsletter Logo with a newspaper icon on the left

Newsletter: November 2022

NOVEMBER 2022 NETWORK NEWS Eyes to the Skies for the Lunar Eclipse! Early morning on Tuesday November 8th A Lunar Eclipse will be visible throughout North America in the very early morning on Tuesday November 8th. On the West Coast
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