Woman dressed for theater play in crown and robe

Theater and Stage Presentations

Public programs are delivered by an educator, actor, or STEM professional and may incorporate stage presentations, scripted science theater performances, demonstrations, interactive games. These programs typically last up to 20 minutes and are held in a dedicated auditorium or seating area for small or large audiences.

Theatrical Programs and Shows

Storming the Castle

Storming the Castle Museum Theater Show

In this theater presentation, learners explore the risks and benefits of synthetic biology in a light-hearted melodramatic setting.
Survival theater gameshow logo featuring an image of the earth

Survival: A Game Show about People, Planet, and Prosperity

In this activity, learners will work as a team to discover that the three main pillars of sustainability (People, Planet, and Prosperity) are interconnected and necessary to a healthy future.
A facilitator on stage in front of a large spinning wheel asking a participant a question with a microphone

Wheel of the Future

In this stage presentation, learners are contestants in a game show that encourages them to discover facts about nanotechnology and consider the concerns people have for new field.
Prize wheel from the activity

Nanotechnology Spin-a-Prize!

In this activity, learners discover the basics of nanoscale science, engineering, and technology through a game show format.
Actors in Attack of the Nanoscientists stage show dressed in superhero outfit with stuffed monkey toy

Attack of the Nanoscientist

In this theater presentation, learners meet a supervillain from the future attempts to conquer the audience using...nanoscience?
An actor in a blue lab coat has a confused look on his face while interacting with a puppet character

Nano Dreams and Nano Nightmares

In this stage presentation, learners are introduced to nanoscale science with humor and puppetry.
Presenter on stage with large powerpoint screen and props

Would You Buy That

In this stage presentation, learners explores social and ethical issues of consumer products from the past, present and future
Amazing Juggling Nano Brothers show poster featuring a man holding a magnifying glass while observing small scaled characters on a stool

The Amazing Nano Brothers Juggling Show

Stage presentation using juggling focused on atoms, molecules, nanoscale forces.

Stage Presentations and Demos

Pots on a kitchen stovetop next to vegetables on a kitchen counter

Kitchen Chemistry

In this stage presentation, learners discover the complex chemistry behind a seemingly simple bowl of spaghetti, and recognize the recognize the science that we practice every day in our very own home.
Surface area nanoscale science demonstration blowing fireball

Surface Area - stage presentation

This is a large group version of the Surface Area program. In this interactive stage presentation, audience members are measured in nanometers and demonstrate the effectiveness of "nano" silver in killing germs. Other highlights include a fireball that starts and...
Facilitator standing next to a erupting bottle of soda

Mentos and Soda Explosion

In this stage presentation, learners experience a dramatic and messy demonstration on the effects of surface area.
Title slide for the presentation showing a computer chip

The Future of Computing

In this stage presentation, learners are asked to consider how smaller, faster, better computers in the future might impact their lives after a short presentation.
Illustration of nano-sized robots

Shrinking Robots!

In this program and stage presentation, learners design and build a robot toy from recycled and craft materials after hearing a presentation about the challenges in creating nano-sized robots.
Learners holding image drawings of robots

Robots & People

In this activity, learners imagine and draw a robot for a particular task after a quick presentation on robots and nanobots.
Children engaging with snowflake program

Snowflakes: Nano at its Coolest

In this activity, learners watch videos of snowflakes growing, observe real ice crystals growing in a chilled chamber and that snowflakes are examples of self-assembled systems studied by nanoscientists.
Poster showing the different forms fo carbon molecules

World of Carbon Nanotubes Stage Presentation and Posters

Poster and slide presentation on carbon nanotubes.
Facilitator showing a spring toy prop from the presentation

Making Molecular Movies with QSTORM

In this stage presentation, learners are introduced to an interdisciplinary research project making advances in biological imaging.
Water being poured into a Glass - iStock photo

Cleaning Our Water with Nanotechnology

In this stage presentation, learners experience demonstrations about how we can make contaminated water safe to drink using a variety of technologies.
Title slide asking what is nanotechnology with a big question mark and mad scientist

Intro to Nano - Stage

In this stage presentation, learners experience an introduction to nanotechnology through three basic questions.
Field of solar panels

Tiny Solutions to Our Big Energy Problem

In this stage presentation, learners hear a brief overview of energy sources and our current energy crisis and discusses a variety of ways that nanotechnology can improve the situation.

Theater Performances Videos

Two actors act in a play about nano and society.

Same Sides and Let's Talk About It videos

In this program, learners are introduced to nanoscale science which includes 2 ten-minute plays that stimulate conversation about the impact the field of nanoscale science may have on our lives.

Books and Storytelling Activities

Books, Reading, and Storytelling

A compilation of STEM read-aloud storybooks, storytelling, companion hands-on activities, lists of STEM books and biographies, library collaboration resources, and annual events such as Summer Reading Programs and National Children's Book Week. Also included are resources for STEM tactile and Braille books for visually impaired participants.

Slide Presentations for Public Audiences

NISE Network_Solar Eclipse slide presentation overview showing a partial eclipse of the Sun

Preparing for a Solar Eclipse Slide Presentation - Updated for 2023 & 2024

Slideshow presentation about preparing for and safely viewing a solar eclipse.
Guide cover featuring a cratered surface of the Moon

The Moon: NASA is Going Back and Looking Forward presentation

Professional development training tool to prepare staff and volunteers to facilitate Explore Science: Earth and Space activities and conversations.
Nano is different slide showing gold, nano gold, and stained glass

Nano 101 Intro to Nano slide presentations

Introduction to nanoscale science and technology slide presentations for educators.

Slide Presentations for Staff and Volunteers

Overview slideshow title slide

NISE Network General Overview Power Point Presentation Slides

Presentation slides providing an overview of the NISE Network and projects.
Activity Overview slides (with presenter notes)

Explore Science: Earth and Space Toolkit Activity Overview slides (with presenter notes)

Professional development orientation slides to prepare staff and volunteers to facilitate Explore Science: Earth and Space Toolkit activities.
Building with Biology orientation slide with Blue and Gold logo

Building with Biology Orientation Materials

Professional development orientation slides to prepare staff and volunteers to facilitate Building with Biology activities.
screen shot of a computer file of Frankenstein200 overview PowerPoint slides

Frankenstein200 Overview Slides, Notes, and Outline Printout

Professional development orientation slides to prepare staff and volunteers to facilitate Frankenstein200 activities.
Let's do Chemistry Guide Design Strategies and Facilitation Techniques to Encourage Positive Attitudes Toward Learning Chemistry in Museums and Informal Settings cover

Explore Science: Let's Do Chemistry Professional Development and Training Materials; Framework and Strategies Guide

Professional development training tools and orientation slides to prepare staff and volunteers to facilitate the Explore Science: Let's Do Chemistry activities.
educator in black shirt posing with a thumb up and a thumb down

NanoDays Training Materials

Professional development training resources to prepare staff and volunteers to facilitate NanoDays activities.
Nano 101 slide presentation showing tiny electronics compared to a finger

Intro to Nano for Educators

Ttraining materials and resources to introduce professional and volunteer educators to nanoscience, engineering, and technology topics, as well as guidance and approaches for engaging the public in learning about current science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
example slide listing a scenario from the presentation

Stand Up Sit Down Icebreaker

Professional development training tool to prepare scientific audiences to talk about public engagement around now & near-future brain research and technologies.

Training Resources for Staff and Volunteers

Educator and learner talking about an Earth and Space activity

Training Videos

Training videos are designed to show facilitation strategies for specific hands-on activities, share specific activity content and background information, and model best practices in public engagement.

More Resources