Outreach > National NanoDays 2012

CNSE and NanoDays 2012

Further expanding its critical mission of inspiring young people to pursue exciting educational and career opportunities in nanotechnology, CNSE partnered with a host of local organizations to present a unique series of events and activities as part of the national celebration of “NanoDays 2012,” which took place from March 24-31.

CNSE Partnered with the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST)
CNSE faculty, staff and graduate students came to the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology for an exploration of all things Nano! On March 24, there were presentations, experiments and demonstrations throughout the day that explored different topics and concepts in Nanotechnology. Activities included:

• Nanotechnology: Small Science, Big Future: Children visited the CNSE booth and learned about nanotechnology while looking at a variety of “show and tell” items.
• Nanotechnology and the Future of Health Care: The latest research and innovative applications from CNSE’s Nanobio team were be on display. 
• Exploring Size - Ball Sorter: A hands-on activity in which visitors used sieves with different-sized holes, to sort balls by size. They learned that researchers are developing new technologies that can sort nano-sized things, including filters with nano-sized holes. 
• Exploring Structures – DNA: A hands-on activity in which visitors created a necklace of wheat germ DNA. They learned that self-assembly is a process by which molecules and cells form themselves into functional structures.
• Exploring Materials – Hydrogel: A hands-on activity in which visitors discovered how a super absorbing material can be used to move a straw. They learned that hydrogels can be used on the nanoscale in a similar fashion to manipulate tiny structures.
• Exploring Fabrication - Gummy Capsules: lets visitors make self-assembled polymer spheres. They learned that self-assembly is a process by which molecules and cells form themselves into functional structures, and that self-assembly is used to make nanocapsules that can deliver medication.

CNSE Partnered with the Albany Boys and Girls Clubs
Each afternoon, CNSE faculty and graduate students visited the Albany Boys and Girls Clubs to present hands-on activities and demonstrations to the Pathfinders (ages 5&6), Juniors (ages 6&7), Cadets (ages 7&8), Cruisers (ages 9-12) and teens (ages 13-17). Here are some of the activities they took part in:

• Nanotechnology: Small Science, BIG Future! What is nano? Just how small is a nanometer? This overview presentation taught students about the emerging science of nanotechnology, and how nano-innovation will shape their future. 
• Innovations in Nanomedicine: Dr. Sara Brenner, Assistant Vice President for NanoHealth Initiatives, showed students in the teen program the current and future applications of nanotechnology in medicine, using a life-sized human torso to conduct nanomedicine demonstrations and medical equipment to demonstrate current and potential applications of nanotechnology in medical practice.
• Gowning Activity: Stephen Stewart, Instructional Support Technician, showed the “Cruisers” (ages 9-12) how to gown up in the “bunny suits” worn in CNSE’s high-tech cleanrooms and conduct several hands-on, nano-experiments.
• Exploring Fabrication – Polymer Worms: Dr. Nathaniel Cady, Assistant Professor of Nanobioscience, showed the “Pathfinders” and “Juniors” (ages 5-7) that self-assembly is a process by which molecules and cells form themselves into functional structures.  The children created self-assembled polymer worms and participated in several additional related activities.
• E2TAC Energy Activities: CNSE graduate students taught the “Cadets” (ages 7-8) about fuel cells, solar energy, and photovoltaic panels.  Students had the opportunity to play with model fuel-cell cars and experiment with working photovoltaic panels, which can power small items such as a calculator, small fan, or a radio.

Capital District YMCA Black and Latino Achievers Group Visited CNSE
Members of the Capital District YMCA Black and Latino Achievers Group visited CNSE for a presentation, tour and hands-on activities.
 
CNSE Partnered with the Schenectady Museum and Suits-Bueche Planetarium
On Saturday, March 31, CNSE faculty, staff and graduate students reached a wide audience at the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology, where kids explored all things Nano! There were presentations, experiments and demonstrations throughout the day that explored different topics and concepts in Nanotechnology. Here are some of the activities that took place:

• Nanotechnology: Small Science, Big Future: Children visited the CNSE booth and learned about nanotechnology while looking at a variety of “show and tell” items.
• Exploring Size - Ball Sorter: A hands-on activity in which visitors used sieves with different-sized holes, to sort balls by size. They learned that researchers are developing new technologies that can sort nano-sized things, including filters with nano-sized holes. 
• Exploring Materials - Thin Films: is a hands-on activity in which visitors created a colorful bookmark using a super thin layer of nail polish on water. They learned that a thin film creates iridescent, rainbow colors.
• Energy & Nanotechnology: Powering the Future: Members of the CNSE Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center (E2TAC) led a series of energy related activities, including:
• Solar Power House Experiment - Demonstrated how to utilize energy efficient techniques to heat and cool a home.
• Solar Cars/Airplanes - Showed how solar panels work and can power future transportation, as well as other devices.
• Hydrogen Cars - Students learned the basics about fuel cells and electrolysis.

Organized by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net) with funding from the National Science Foundation, NanoDays 2012 was part of a continuing effort among universities, research centers, and science museums across the country to increase understanding and raise awareness of nanotechnology.