Careers in Nanotechnology “Nanotechnology is the idea that we can create devices and machines all the way down to the nanometer scale, which is a billionth of a meter, about half the width of a human DNA molecule.”
-- Paul McEuen, Professor of Physical Science, Cornell University
Guest Speaker: Nanotech Engineer from Entegris - details TBD
Presentation Times: TBD
Hands-on Activities
Stations run continuously from 10am-2pm
Guess the Nano-pic
Can you guess the picture? Check out images taken at four scales -- macro, micro, nano and atomic -- and see how familiar objects transform under extreme close-up.
Nanospace Theme Park
Shrink down to visit the Nanospace Theme Park online! After a welcome video to the world of nano, it’s time to explore. Try out virtual microscopes in the MicroLab. Then play Cosmic Calculations: can you guess how many atoms are in everyday items? Finally, go on a scavenger hunt for wrong-sized objects in the Dimension Zone.
Try Your Hand at Nano
To get a “hand-le” on the nanoscale, trace your hand and calculate how big it is in nanometers versus centimeters. Then place your hand on a nanotechnology tile: what makes the black tile turn blue, green and red? The secret lies in the heat from your hands and liquid nanocrystals.
Learning Labs
Kinder-2nd Grade - NanoTech Microscopy, 10:30am, lasts 45 minutes
Just how small is “nano”? In this interactive lab, use your naked eyes, a magnifying lens and a microscope to compare different views. See how these tools reveal new elements of the world around us -- and help us uncover the nano world we might otherwise miss.
3rd-5th Grade - Made-to-Measure Nano, 11:30am, lasts 60 minutes
Turn yourself into a nanotechnology measuring tool! Create an outline of your body, then take measurements and convert them into nano-scale. How tall are you in nanometers? If you were one-billionth size smaller, what would dinner be like with your regular-sized family? Pass the mashed potato molecules, please!
6th-12th Grade - Shrink Me, 1pm, lasts 60 minutes
Imagine your life as the Incredible Shrinking Kid! Measure your height, then calculate how tall you would be if you shrunk to 1/10 of your height. What about 1/100 of your height? Draw your “Deci-me” and “Centi-me” selves, then -- with a little science magic -- shrink to find your “Nano-me” size.