"Teacher Favorites" (click here for explanation)
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Nano News Sources:
(John's evaluations in italics at end of description)
Homepage / Organization |
Description / Relevant Webpages |
AZoNano.com
|
"The A to Z of Nanotechnolgy: News, articles, podcast, videos, events, courses . . . "
Broad range of articles. But articles tend to be very short (and/or shallow). |
BBC News - BBC Science |
Limited number of nanoscience/nanotechnology articles, but articles have reasonable depth and come with links to related BBC articles and/or Internet materials
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Nanotechnology Now |
Homepage (site information and breaking nano news)
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IEEE Spectrum Magazine
|
Technical news reporting by the "world's largest professional association for the advancement of technology:"
One star only because it is a monthly publication aiming for depth in a limited number of articles (and it does not attempt to cover all nano news).
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NANOVIP.com |
Homepage (latest news, nanotech company and lab directory)
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Nanowerk ("The No. 1 Nanotechnology Portal") |
Neat Stuff Nanotechnology for kids and other cool and useful sites
nanoBase (Searchable nano materials database)
nanoLinks
nanoWhat ("A detailed and extensive introduction to nanotechnology")
nanoRisk ("Latest developments on environmental, health and safety issues")
nanoTube ("Check out our collection of nanotechnology videos")
Broad range of articles. But articles tend to be very short (and/or shallow). |
The New York Times - Science |
The highest quality newspaper science reporting that I know of - probably because they are one of very few newspapers still employing science-trained science writers (at Bell Labs I was interviewed by some of them, their questions could be scary smart).
Note that the Times now tries to limit non-subscriber access. But this science webpage still seems to be wide open (and if the Times' webpage denies you access to the full article, copy the article's title into a Google search, and that search will often get you to the full article). |
PhysOrg.com |
Sub-webpage dedicated to Nanotechnology
Website offering BOTH breadth AND depth of nanoscience reporting |
PopSci.com |
While Popular Science does not have a section dedicated to nanoscience & nanotechnology, it does frequently feature such articles.
Doesn't offer a LOT of nanoscience/nanotechnology reporting. But what they do they often do well. |
Science Daily: Nanotechnology |
"Your source for the latest research news"
Broad range of articles having variable depth. |
Understanding Nano.com |
"Understanding Nanotechnology is a Web site dedicated to making nanotechnology concepts and applications understandable by anyone. Earl Boysen, when co-authoring Nanotechnology For Dummies, observed the lack of websites with easy to understand explanations of the wide range of nanotechnology applications. He started Understandingnano.com to fill that need. Understandingnano.com is dedicated to providing clear and concise explanations of nanotechnology applications. The site is a partnership between Earl and his wife, Nancy. Earl, who runs the site, brings an understanding of the technical issues, based upon a Masters in Engineering Physics and 20 years engineering experience in the integrated circuit manufacturing industry. Nancy is the author of over 90 books on technology topics, and uses her writing skills to help make the articles on the site easily understandable."
Website offering BOTH breadth AND depth of nanoscience reporting |
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Collections of Nanoscience Resource Links / Nanoscience Portals:
Homepage / Organization |
Description / Relevant Webpages |
ACS Nano
|
American Chemical Society's nanoscience journal |
AZoNano.com
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"The A to Z of Nanotechnolgy: News, articles, podcast, videos, events, courses . . . " |
Center for Nanotechnology Education and Utilization
Penn State |
"addressing the incorporation of nanotechnology into secondary education, into post-secondary education, and into industry applications" |
European Commission Webpages on Nanotechnology |
An unusually extensive and complete website rich in links and illustrations, answering dozens of questions about Nanotechnology ranging from what it is, to descriptions of nanotechnology manufacturing, to discussion of safety and environmental issues |
IEEE Nanotechnology Magazine
|
Nanoscience news and review articles from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers ("The world's leading professional association for the advancement of technology") |
INANOT.COM
|
Sponsored site with sub webpages on "nanotechnology topics" (with further links on molecular engineering, genetic engineering, weapons of mass destruction, and technological singularity), "materials" (with further links on scanning probe microscopy and supramolecular chemistry), "potential risks," and "important people." |
Introduction to Nanoscience
Technical U. Graz |
Extended text introduction with many links to other websites, and to seminal publications. Page is illustrated with neat animations of molecular machines |
NanoForum.org
|
The "European Nanotechnology Gateway" with news in categories of: Chemistry & materials, health & nanobio, nanotools & metrology, information & communications, transport & space, energy and science |
Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network
(NISE)
Museum Consortium |
NSF sponsored consortium of U.S. Science Museums |
Nanoscience and Engineering
U. Albany |
Extensive collection of Nanoscience/Technology links compiled by the University of Albany libraries |
Nano Science Education Solutions and Resources Online
The Nano Technology Group |
K-12 Education Outreach Sources
Global Nanoscience Education Resources
Virtual Tools |
Nanotechnology Now |
Homepage (site information and breaking nano news)
|
NANOVIP.com |
Homepage (latest news, nanotech company and lab directory)
|
Nanowerk ("The No. 1 Nanotechnology Portal") |
Neat Stuff Nanotechnology for kids and other cool and useful sites
nanoBase (Searchable nano materials database)
nanoLinks
nanoWhat ("A detailed and extensive introduction to nanotechnology")
nanoRisk ("Latest developments on environmental, health and safety issues")
nanoTube ("Check out our collection of nanotechnology videos") |
Nat. Ctr. for Learning & Teaching in Nanoscale Sci. & Eng.
(NCLT)
Northwestern U. |
Nano Resources |
National Nanotechnology Initiative
(NNI)
National Science Foundation |
NNI Nanoscience Classroom Resources
NNI Education Center |
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
(NNIN)
Georgia Tech. |
NNIN Education Portal |
Nature Education |
An open-access "Collaborative Learning Space for Science" on nanotechnology from the publishers of the journal Nature (below).
"Topics" sub-webpage provides links to dozens of papers in each of ten areas (genetics, chromosomes and cytogenetics, evolutionary genetics, gene expression and regulation, gene inheritance and transmission, genes and disease, genomics, nucleic acid structure and function, population & quantitative genetics). |
Nature Nanotechnology |
One of the premiere nanoscience research journals |
U. Wisconsin MRSEC |
Listing of U.S.Nano Center Outreach Programs |
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General Nanoscience Teaching Materials:
Website Homepage |
Webpages |
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Materials |
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THE BIG DOWN
Genomes to Atoms - Atomtech: Technologies Converging at the Atomscale
(84 Pages - Free Download)
ETC Group
"Any new technology has dangers associated with it. Nanotechnology is no exception. In 2003, a Canadian environmental organization called the ETC group published a document called The Big Down where environmental dangers were discussed. An analogy between nanostructures and asbestos was made. Asbestos fibers were widely used for years before anyone realized that they were a health hazard. The ETC group called for a ban on the commercial production of new nanomaterials until their impact on the environment could be investigated." |
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9-Grad |
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Brain Pop: Nanotechnology
"BrainPOP was conceived by Dr. Avraham Kadar, an immunologist and pediatrician, as a creative way to explain difficult concepts to his young patients. Today, we host more than 5 million visits to our web sites each month, from thousands of schools worldwide. We take pride in our in-house team of educators, animators, and writers, who produce and continually improve BrainPOP, incorporating valuable teacher and parent input." |
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K-8 |
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Center for Nanoscale Chemical Electrical Mechanical Manufacturing Systems
U. Illinois
"Through the generous support of the National Science Foundation and Motorola, Inc., Nano-CEMMS has built nanotechnology activity kits that can be used in middle and high school classrooms. Each kit contains everything a teacher needs to deliver content to 30 students, including an activity guide, a PowerPoint presentation, transparencies, handouts, assessments, and lab materials. The kits will be sent to you FREE OF CHARGE FOR A TWO WEEK PERIOD. Return postage and a mailing label are included. " |
Nano-Lessons in a Box |
7-12 |
X |
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Center for Nanotechnology Education and Utilization
Penn State U.
"The CNEU is dedicated to research, development, and education across all aspects of micro- and nanotechnology. The Center resources are focused on addressing the incorporation of nanotechnology into secondary education, into post-secondary education, and into industry applications." |
Videos of Class Panel Discussions |
13 -16 |
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Amazing Creatures w/ Nanoscale Features |
4-10 |
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The Discovery Channel / The Science Channel |
Nanotechnology Quiz
Top 10 Reasons for Using Nanotech in Food
Nanotechnology Zaps Prostate Tumor Cells
Nanowires in Solar Energy
and more |
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DragonFly TV - Nanosphere
Divided into categories of: 1) Living Things; 2) Matter and Motion; 3) Body and Brain; 4) Earth and Space; 5) Science Museums; 6) Technology and Inventions. Each category calls up a half dozen to a dozen demonstrations, do-it-yourself experiments or videos each. Dynamic graphics and sound effects of the website clearly designed to grab the attention of younger users. If that interface boggles, try hitting the "topics" button for more conventional website navigation. |
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3-8 |
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U. Wisconsin - MRSEC
"This site is a resource for education and outreach efforts associated with the National Science Foundation supported Materials Research Science and Engineering Center on Nanostructured Interfaces. " |
Intro to Nano |
7 -14 |
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Topics |
7 -14 |
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Online Resources |
7 -14 |
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Labs |
7 -14 |
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Kits |
7 -14 |
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Institute for Chemical Education
U. Wisconsin
"ICE was established in 1983 to provide a center for science educators to develop and disseminate ideas. ICE is national in scope and has led the drive to help teachers revitalize science in schools throughout the United States. Its efforts include: Creating new materials for teaching and learning; Carrying out research in chemical education; Developing demonstrations and hands-on activities; Sponsoring workshops for teachers; Organizing laboratory and demonstration programs for school children; Disseminating exemplary ideas via publications and kits" |
Activity Guides and Science Kits |
K-12 |
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Intro to Nanoscience & Nanotechnology: A Workbook
(274 Pages - Free Download)
M. Kuno, U. Notre Dame
"This set of lecture notes about nanoscience and nanotechnology was initially written over the spring and summer of 2003. After my initial appointment as an assistant professor in chemistry, I agreed to teach an introductory class on nanoscience and nanotechnology for incoming graduate students and upper level undergraduates at the University of Notre Dame. However after accepting this task, it quickly became apparent to me that there were few resources available for teaching such a class, let alone any textbook. So while waiting for equipment to arrive, I undertook it upon myself to compile a series of lecture notes that would explain to the student some of the underlying concepts behind nano.” |
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14 - Grad |
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Journal of Chemical Education
American Chemical Society
"The Journal of Chemical Education, published continuously since 1924, is the world's premier chemical education journal. Our mission is to help chemistry teachers stay current with research advances as well as share new ideas in teaching methodologies and course organization. A multimedia publisher, JCE welcomes materials in print, software, video, and other digital formats." |
Linked directly from the Journal's Homepage:
Especially for High School Teachers
JCE Classroom Activity
Demonstrations
And much more . . .
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7 - 16 |
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Kavli Prize: Introduction to Nanoscience
Kavli Foundation
Video documentary on history of nanoscience, beginning with Feynman's challenge. Narrated by Alan Alda (5:59 minutes) |
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7 -16 |
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LiveScience.com
Sort of a YouTube website for science content. Use "Nano" as a keyword in the homepage's search box. |
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Materials World Modules
Northwestern U.
"Materials World Modules (MWM) are hands-on, inquiry and design-based units for middle and high school students. Based on materials science and nanotechnology principles, this interdisciplinary approach engages students, adds relevance to traditional curriculum, and has been shown to improve science knowledge for all students." |
Modules |
7 -12 |
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Classroom Exhibits |
7 -12 |
X |
X |
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Media Gallery |
7 -12 |
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Resources |
7 -12 |
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Molecular Expressions
Florida State U.
"Acclaimed photo galleries that explore the fascinating world of optical microscopy. We are going where no microscope has gone before by offering one of the Web's largest collections of color photographs taken through an optical microscope." |
Photo Gallery |
9 -16 |
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Microscopy Primer |
9 -16 |
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Silicon Zoo |
9 -16 |
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Science. Optics & You |
9 -16 |
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Cells |
9 -16 |
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NanoHUB
Purdue U.
"The nanoHUB is a rich, web-based resource for research, education and collaboration in nanotechnology. The nanoHUB hosts over 1000 resources which will help you learn about nanotechnology, including Online Presentations, Courses, Learning Modules, Podcasts, Animations, Teaching Materials, and more. Most importantly, the nanoHUB offers simulation tools which you can access from your web browser, so you can not only learn about but also simulate nanotechnology devices. The nanoHUB also provides collaboration environment via Workspaces, Online meetings and User groups." |
Nano 101 |
13 -16 |
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Nano 501 |
Grad |
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Nanocurriculum |
14-Grad |
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Learning Modules |
14-Grad |
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X |
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Teaching Materials |
14-Grad |
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X |
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Nano Journeys - Adventures Beyond the Decimal
German Government
"A vitual discovery journey into the worlds of micro and nano cosmos" - Illustrations of radically different scales as observed in biology, computer or automobile technologies |
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6 - 12 |
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NanoKids
James Tour, Rice U.
"The NanoKids™ educational outreach program is dedicated to increasing public knowledge of the nanoscale world and the emerging molecular research and technology that is rapidly expanding internationally. Based on actual anthropomorphic molecules synthesized in the laboratory, the NanoKids™ visual concept utilizes universally recognized forms exhibiting human characteristics to instruct, motivate, and entertain." Most of the material is offered in both English and Spanish |
Videos |
K - 8 |
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Video Workbook |
K - 8 |
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Sample Tests |
K - 8 |
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Teacher Resources |
K - 8 |
X |
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Nanooze online Nanoscience Magazine
Georgia Tech. (NNIN)
"Nanooze is not a thing, Nanooze is a place. A place to hear about the latest exciting stuff in science and technology. What kind of stuff? Mostly discoveries about the world that is too small to see and making tiny things. Making things using something called nanotechnology. But nanooze is also about other things in all sorts of different areas of science. Nanooze was created for kids, so inside you will find interesting articles about the most recent discoveries and what it might mean for the future." |
What is Nanotechnology? |
K -12 |
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Interesting Stuff |
K -12 |
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Nanotech Links |
K -12 |
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Nanopolis
Research Consortium
"Educators: Use the Nanopolis educational materials in your courses. Shorten the initial phase of your students learning nano-bio concepts by at least one year, by allowing them to easily understand visual explanations of the most of the concepts involved." |
Multimedia Library |
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Nanoscale Science: Activities for Grades 6-12
National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Press
"Futurists predict that nanotechnology will be the next major scientific revolution—one with an even greater impact than the Industrial Revolution. Nanoscale Science will help your middle and high school students understand the big implications of tiny technology. Using guided inquiry with open-ended exploration where possible, the book’s 20 investigations teach students about the unique properties and behavior of materials at the nanoscale—one-billionth of the size of a meter. The activities are organized around five themes: scale, tools and techniques, unique properties and behaviors, nanotechnology applications, and societal implications." |
Podcast describing the book
Ordering Information on Full Book |
6 - 12 |
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NanoScienceWorks
Taylor and Francis LLC
"NanoScienceWorks.org is a not-for-profit community portal for the nanoscience research community supported by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC—an Informal business.
NanoScienceWorks.org serves the nano community as a gateway to the news, journals, books, and articles that support and drive nano research and development. We invite you to explore these resources, view our slidecasts, and join our networking database of nano-involved people and institutions from around the world." |
Slidecasts
(free) |
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Nanotechnology: Understanding Small Systems (for sale) |
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Nanosense
SRI
"What is NanoSense?
The NanoSense project is one of a few innovative programs trying to address the question of how to teach nanoscale science at the high school level. Working closely with scientists and educators, we are creating, classroom testing, and disseminating a number of curriculum units to help high school students understand science concepts that account for nanoscale phenomena. We are also hosting workshops to introduce teachers to our materials, and have held working meetings with experts and practitioners to identify and clarify major concepts and learning goals for nanoscience education. NanoSense materials were developed by SRI International, with support from the National Science Foundation " |
Activities:
Size Matters: Introduction to Nanoscience
Clear Sunscreen: How Light Interacts with Matter
Clean Energy: Converting Light into Electricity
Fine Filters: Filtering Solutions for Clean Water
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9 -12 |
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Nanosonic Schoolkits
Nanosonic Inc.
"Our Nanotechnology Education kit provides a general background on nanotechnology, and a detailed investigation of one nanotechnology chemical process: electrostatic self-assembly. This self-assembly process is ideal for the education kit since it does not require exotic or expensive equipment to manipulate the molecules. The technical content, primarily chemistry, is targeted to 8th grade level science students and includes a background discussion, a review of the associated chemical principles, a hands-on visualization experiment to "see" what is happening at the molecular level, and a wet chemistry lab experiment to self-assemble a sample.
Each kit contains all the required materials including chemicals, containers, and latex gloves for a classroom of 24 students working in groups of 4 students." |
Description of the Nanotechnology Kit
Description of its activity on Electrostatic Self-Assembly |
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Nanotechnology Demystified
McGraw Hill
"Ever wonder how they make tiny machines? The booming field of nanotechnology is all about building highly advanced super-small machines and devices from the ground up. Nanotechnology Demystified provides you with everything you need to know about the many biological, chemical, physical, environmental, and political aspects of nanotechnology . . . (With this book) you can master nanotechnology one simple step at a time -- at your own pace. This unique, self-teaching guide features multiple-choice questions at the end of each chapter to pinpoint weaknesses, and a final exam to reinforce what you've learned in the book." |
Book from Amazon.com
PDF download from "Free Book Spot" |
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NCLT NanoEd Resource Portal
Northwestern U.
"The NanoEd Resource Portal is a dynamic repository for information dissemination, research and collaborations among the community of nanoscale science and engineering education (NSEE) learners, teachers and researchers. The goal of NanoEd Resource Portal is to build up a comprehensive network and resource portal to serve the greater NSEE community around the globe." |
Nano Courses |
13 - Grad |
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Nano Concepts and Simulations |
13 - Grad |
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Nano Lessons |
7 -12 |
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Global Research Gallery |
9 - Grad |
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NISE
Network Resources
Museum Consortium
"The NISE Network is a nationwide collaboration of museums, universities, research institutions, artists and others working to engage the public in this emerging field. Please join our growing community of professionals dedicated to sharing knowledge and expertise in a variety of venues."
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Exhibits |
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Net Media |
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Viz Lab |
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Size and Scale Diagrams |
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Nano Media Finder |
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Downloadable Nanodays Kit |
K -12 |
X |
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NNIN Education Portal
Georgia Tech. (NNIN) |
Complete List of Curriculum Materials |
7-12 |
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Physorg.com - Nanotechnology
"a leading web-based science, research and technology news service which covers a full range of topics. These include physics, earth science, medicine, nanotechnology, electronics, space, biology, chemistry, computer sciences, engineering, mathematics and other sciences and technologies. Launched in 2004, PhysOrg’s readership has grown steadily to include 1.5 million scientists, researchers, and engineers every month. PhysOrg publishes approximately 100 quality articles every day, offering some of the most comprehensive coverage of sci-tech developments world-wide." |
Bio and Medicine
Nanophysics
Nanomaterials |
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Powers of Small
U.C. Berkeley
"Focuses on the ethical questions surrounding the rapidly advancing field of nanotechnology. The site features videos from a Fred Friendly panel where experts debate real life scenarios and an online forum where users can share their ideas" |
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Powers of Ten - The Movie
powersof10.com
The 1977 documentary video taking the viewer from the scale of a Chicago waterfront picnic out to the scale of the solar system, the galaxy, then back again, Narrated by physicist Phillip Morrsion |
Powers of 10 Video (Streamed Flash) |
K - 12 |
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Powers of Ten - Secrets Worlds: The Universe Within
Florida State University
Animation (or Windows screen saver) that moves through images ranging from the galaxy to solar system, to human scale, to atoms, to nuclei. Nicely shows how patterns repeat at different scales, while allowing you to control the pacing and order of images. But getting the Java Applet to play may require altering the security settings of certain web browsers. (Part of the Molecular Expressions website - see above) |
Powers of 10 Animation
(Interactive Java Applet) |
K - 12 |
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Integrating Nanotechnology into the K12 Classroom
Ken Bowles, Apopka High School
An incredible one person effort that produced a detailed 42 page guide including lessons, experiments, and suggestions on readings |
Teaching Nanotechnology in the High School Curriculum: A Teacher's Guide
K12 Nanotechnology Powerpoint for teachers
Powerpoint Presentation on K12 Nanotechnology(formal) |
7-12 |
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A Tiny Primer on Nanotech
ETC Group
"ETC Group announces the release of "A Tiny Primer on Nano-scale Technologies ...and The Little BANG Theory", a 20 (small) pages pocket guide to nanotechnology- a suite of techniques used to manipulate matter at the scale of atoms and molecules." |
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9 - |
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Unbounding the Future: the Nanotechnology Revolution
Eric Drexler and Chris Peterson, with Gayle Perg
Foresight Institute
"Contents: Looking Forward; The Molecular World; Bottom-Up Technology; Paths, Pioneers, and Progress; The Threshold of Nanotechnology; Working with Nanotechnology; The Spiral of Capability; Providing the Basics, and More; Restoring the Environment; Nanomedicine; Limits and Downsides; Safety, Accidents, and Abuse; Policy and Prospects." (110 Pages - Free Download) |
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Virtual Lab - WeCanFigureThisOut.Org
(fomerly: UVA Virtual Lab)
"A website bringing microelectronics, nanotechnology, and the underlying science to college and pre-college students, as well as members of the general public. It replaces math and jargon with intuitive 3D animations. Microelectronics presentations explain how semiconductors and transistors work, and how they are fabricated in both university labs and billion dollar factories. Nanoscience presentations describe alternate forms of nanocarbon, the process of DNA self-assembly, and the inner workings of instruments used to see at the nanoscale (such as SEMs, AFMs and STMs). These pages link back to basic science presentations on electricity, magnetism and electrical circuits, including "X-ray vision" simulations of common classroom experiments and apparatus" |
Drop down list of webpages (click here)
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7 -16 |
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A Hands on Introduction to Nanoscience - WeCanFigureThisOut.Org
(fomerly: UVA Virtual Lab)
"A class developed to introduce early undergraduates to nanoscience and nanotechnology. In nanoscience, Newton’s sensible laws are replaced by the weirdness of quantum mechanics: Electrons begin to act like waves - but because all waves are similar, experiments with light and water waves offer insights into electron behavior. Further, we can no longer use light-image-based microfabrication to make things directly. Instead one has to design the parts so they know how we want them to finally come together. And finally, to confirm that things worked the way we planned, we need new instrumentation to see things at the nanoscale.
The class website provides a full set of Power Point lecture notes covering these topics (including figures, animations, readings and lists of demonstration equipment). It also includes full guides to student laboratory use of miniaturized STMs and AFMs, plus experiments on waves, hydrophobicity and DNA fingerprinting" |
Drop down list of materials (click here)
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UW NSEC
U. Wisconsin
"NSF established the Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center at the University of Wisconsin to explore the self-assembly of complex materials and building blocks at the nanoscale and develop the means of communicating advances in nanotechnology to the public. Research Thrust 1: Directed Assembly of Block Copolymer Materials; Research Thrust 2: Sequence-Directed Assembly of Organic Nanostructures; Research Thrust 3: Driven Assembly at the Nanoscale; Research Thrust 4: Environmental Health and Safety Implications of Nanotechnology; Educational Outreach: Education for Students, Teachers and Researchers" |
Educational Outreach (under construction 2008):
Programs for local teachers & students
Today's Science for Tomorrow's Scientists
Online Nanoscience for Teachers
Tactile Nanoscale Models
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What is Nanotechnology?
PBS Station KQED
"What's 100,000 times thinner than a strand of hair? A nanometer. Discover the nanotech boom in Berkeley, where researchers are working to unlock the potential of nanoscience to battle global warming and disease." Video (10:28 minutes) |
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When Things Get Small
U.C. San Diego
"Teaches viewers about nanoscience - technology at one-millionth of a millimeter through an entertaining mix of science and humor. Produced for University of California Television (UCTV) by Not Too Serious Labs, it departs from the typical science-for-television fare by using illustrative concepts that include a stadium-sized bowl of peanuts, a magic tennis ball and shrinking elephants to describe the quest to create the world's smallest magnet." |
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Nanoelectronics and Nanomechanics Teaching Materials:
Website Homepage |
Webpages |
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Center for Nanoscale Chemical Electrical Mechanical Manufacturing Systems
U. Illinois
"Research in the Center for Nanoscale Chemical-Electrical-Mechanical Manufacturing Systems (Nano-CEMMS) addresses a central problem in the development of nanotechnology: how to assemble structures at sizes smaller than can be seen (or transduced) and manipulated (or transcribed). Making three-dimensional, nanoscale devices and systems from millions to trillions of different types of molecules is incredibly difficult. The Center’s goal is to develop a reliable, robust and cost-effective nanomanufacturing system to make nanostructures from multiple materials. This technology will allow advancements and discoveries in nanoscience to move from the laboratory to production." |
Process Strategy
Process Taxonomy
Nuggets (Research Highlights) |
10 - Grad |
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DLP: Micro Mirror Projection TV - "It's the Mirrors"
DLP.com
How one company uses micro-fabrication to make "chips" incorporating the millions of tiltable mirrors at the heart of a "DLP" flat screen TV, movie projector, or classroom computer projector. This is a good example of the Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) technology that also produces the fast tiny sensor that deploys your car's safety airbag. |
Brief animated explanation of DLP
More complete animated explanation of DLP |
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Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Research at Sandia National Labs
"Sandia is a world leader in the technology required for development, fabrication, and production of microelectronic, photonic, micromachine and microsensor devices and products" |
Focus Areas
Enabling Technologies
Image Gallery |
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NanoHUB
Purdue U.
"The nanoHUB is a rich, web-based resource for research, education and collaboration in nanotechnology. The nanoHUB hosts over 1000 resources which will help you learn about nanotechnology, including Online Presentations, Courses, Learning Modules, Podcasts, Animations, Teaching Materials, and more."
(More complete description and page listing in General Materials table, above). |
Nanoelectronics |
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Nanomechanics & Nanofluidics |
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Nanorex Inc.
"Nanorex Inc. is a developer of open-source computational modeling tools for the design and analysis of atomically precise nanosystems" |
Carbon Nanotube Gallery
Molecular Machinery Gallery
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Virtual Lab - WeCanFigureThisOut.Org
(fomerly: UVA Virtual Lab)
"A website bringing microelectronics, nanotechnology, and the underlying science to college and pre-college students, as well as members of the general public. It replaces math and jargon with intuitive 3D animations. Microelectronics presentations explain how semiconductors and transistors work, and how they are fabricated in both university labs and billion dollar factories. Nanoscience presentations describe alternate forms of nanocarbon, the process of DNA self-assembly, and the inner workings of instruments used to see at the nanoscale (such as SEMs, AFMs and STMs). These pages link back to basic science presentations on electricity, magnetism and electrical circuits, including "X-ray vision" simulations of common classroom experiments and apparatus" |
Drop down list of webpages (click here)
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Bio & Bio-inspired Nanoscience Teaching Materials:
Website Homepage |
Webpages |
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Cellular Visions - The Inner Life of a Cell
Harvard University
"A beautiful eight-minute animation created for Harvard biology students, gives a breathtaking glimpse of life at the molecular scale"
See real life nanobots in action - within our bodies! |
Student friendly version with new age musical soundtrack
Much longer (but smaller format) version with narrator providing detailed scene by scene technical explanation |
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CytImmune: Gold Nanoparticles Targeting Tumors
CytImmune Inc.
One nanotech company's idea on how gold nanoparticles of just the right size might fit through the poorly constructed blood vessel walls of rapidly growing tumors, bringing with them chemotherapy drugs to selectively attack the tumor. |
Washington Post Article (24 April 2008)
Company page w/ explanatory animations:
Gold nanoparticles
How they are made
How they might target tumors
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Dolan DNA Learning Center, Cold Spring Laboratory
Great source of palatable information on DNA including:
DNA From the Beginning: A concise history of how our understanding of genes and DNA developed (and is still developing). Divided into 41 concepts, each described by ~ 1/2 page of text. These, in turn, each offering links to animations, photos, videos, biographies, problems and weblinks.
Lab manual for an actual DNA fingerprinting lab targeting high school and college students. (Supplies and equipment for this lab are offered commercially by Carolina Scientific). |
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NanoHUB
Purdue U.
"The nanoHUB is a rich, web-based resource for research, education and collaboration in nanotechnology. The nanoHUB hosts over 1000 resources which will help you learn about nanotechnology, including Online Presentations, Courses, Learning Modules, Podcasts, Animations, Teaching Materials, and more."
(More complete description and page listing in General Materials table, above). |
Nano Bio Devices |
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Nanoparticles Enable Surgical Strikes against Cancer
Scientific American
"In a bid to progress beyond the shotgun approach to fighting cancer—blasting malignant cells with toxic chemicals or radiation, which kills surrounding healthy cells in the process—researchers at the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology (HST) are using nanotechnology to develop seek-and-destroy models to zero in on and dismantle tumors without damaging nearby normal tissue." |
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Genetic Science Learning Center
University of Utah
"Here you'll find a wealth of resources and information aimed at helping educators bring genetics, bioscience and health alive in the classroom. A companion to the popular Learn.Genetics website, Teach.Genetics offers additional tools and resources to support your curriculum, all free of charge.
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Learn Genetics (student materials)
Teach Genetics (teacher materials) |
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Virtual Lab - WeCanFigureThisOut.Org
(fomerly: UVA Virtual Lab)
"A website bringing microelectronics, nanotechnology, and the underlying science to college and pre-college students, as well as members of the general public. It replaces math and jargon with intuitive 3D animations."
(More complete description and page listing in General Materials table, above). |
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Nanotechnology Safety & Ethics Teaching Materials:
Website Homepage |
Webpages |
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THE BIG DOWN
Genomes to Atoms - Atomtech: Technologies Converging at the Atomscale
(84 Pages - Free Download)
ETC Group
"Any new technology has dangers associated with it. Nanotechnology is no exception. In 2003, a Canadian environmental organization called the ETC group published a document called The Big Down where environmental dangers were discussed. An analogy between nanostructures and asbestos was made. Asbestos fibers were widely used for years before anyone realized that they were a health hazard. The ETC group called for a ban on the commercial production of new nanomaterials until their impact on the environment could be investigated." |
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Center for Responsible Nanotechnology
"The next Industrial Revolution is right around the corner. Fourth generation nanotechnology — molecular manufacturing — will radically transform the world, and the people, of the early 21st century. Whether that transformation will be peaceful and beneficial or horrendously destructive is unknown. Although nanotechnology carries great promise, unwise or malicious use could seriously threaten the survival of the human race. The vision of CRN is a world in which molecular manufacturing is widely used for productive and beneficial purposes, and where dangerous uses are limited." |
What is nanotechnology?
What are the benefits?
What are the risks?
Safe Utilization of Advanced Nanotechnology |
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Do Nanoparticles and Sunscreen Mix?
Scientific American
"Sunscreens shield human skin with chemicals that either absorb or deflect damaging ultraviolet rays, most often titanium dioxide or the zinc oxide known best as the white stuff lifeguards slather on their noses. But it seems they (and others) don't have to put up with the white mess: Zinc oxide can be made clear—and remain just as, if not more, effective as a sunblock—by shrinking it into tiny particles between one and 100 nanometers. While ideal for image-conscious sun worshippers, however, some environmentalists charge that more research is needed to rule out potential health and environmental risks of reducing chemicals to nanoscale proportions," |
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Environmental Technologies at the Nanoscale
Environmental Science & Technology - ACS
"Nanotechnology could substantially
enhance environmental quality
and sustainability through
pollution prevention,
treatment, and
remediation." |
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Guide to Nanotechnology and Sunscreens
Friends of the Earth
"Sun worshippers beware. While slathering up with sunscreens to block dangerous
ultra-violet (UV) rays you may be exposing yourself to a new danger. Sunscreen
manufacturers are adding nanoparticles to sunscreens to make sun-blocking
ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide rub on clear instead of white.
These nanoparticles are being added without appropriate labeling or reliable
safety information." |
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Journal of Nano Environmental Health & Safety
Online searchable "virtual journal" |
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More Testing and Regulation Needed for Nanotechnology
Consumer Reports
"Nanotechnology promises to be the most important innovation since electricity and the internal combustion engine. But some applications might pose substantial risks to human health and the environment. Nanomaterials are already being used in consumer products such as car wax, computer chips, and sunscreen. But the risks of nanotechnology have been largely unexplored, and government and industry monitoring has been minimal. Moreover, consumers have been left in the dark, since manufacturers are not required to disclose the presence of nanomaterials in their labeling." |
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Nanoparticles: Health Effects - Pros and Cons
NIH
"The prospects for using engineered nanomaterials with diameters of < 100 nm in industrial applications, medical imaging, disease diagnoses, drug delivery, cancer treatment, gene therapy, and other areas have progressed rapidly. The potential for nanoparticles in these areas is infinite, with novel new applications constantly being explored. The possible toxic health effects of these NPs associated with human exposure are unknown. Many fine particles generally considered “nuisance dusts” are likely to acquire unique surface properties when engineered to nanosize and may exhibit toxic biological effects." |
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Nanotechnology: Getting it Right the First Time
Organic Consumers Association
"The design and manipulation of materials at the atomic scale, may well revolutionize many of the ways our society manufactures products, produces energy, and treats diseases. Hundreds of large and small nanotechnology companies are developing a wide variety of materials for use in electronics, medical diagnostic tools and therapies, construction materials, personal care products, paints and coatings, environmental cleanup, energy production and conservation, environmental sensors, and many other important applications . . . (But)
available data, while limited in scope, clearly indicate both that some nanomaterials have hazardous properties and that growing numbers of nanomaterials are reaching the market." |
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Smaller is Not Always Better: Nanotechnology Yields Nanotoxicology
Howard M. Kipen and Debra L. Laskin
"Nanomaterials are receiving increasing attention for their promise as engineering and biomedical miracles. Unfortunately, their use may ultimately be limited because of concerns about toxicity. The fact that their size overlaps with the ultrafine particles (<0.1 µm) characteristic of urban air pollution confirms a basis for this concern." |
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Unbounding the Future: the Nanotechnology Revolution
(110 Pages - Free Download)
Eric Drexler and Chris Peterson, with Gayle Perg
Foresight Institute
"Contents: Looking Forward; The Molecular World; Bottom-Up Technology; Paths, Pioneers, and Progress; The Threshold of Nanotechnology; Working with Nanotechnology; The Spiral of Capability; Providing the Basics, and More; Restoring the Environment; Nanomedicine; Limits and Downsides; Safety, Accidents, and Abuse; Policy and Prospects." |
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Nanotechnology Challenges and Fears
"Hands-on Introduction to Nanoscience" class - U. Virginia
"A class developed to introduce early undergraduates to nanoscience and nanotechnology. In nanoscience," |
Lecture Notes
Readings / Sources
Lecture Notes:
Class Readings:
Readings on Nano Vehicles ( #1 / #2)
Lab Guides and Equipment:
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Why the Future Doesn't Need Us
Wired Magazine
"Our most powerful 21st-century technologies - robotics, genetic engineering, and nanotech - are threatening to make humans an endangered species." |
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Nanoscience Teaching Equipment:
Center for Nanoscale Chemical-Electrical-Mechanical Manufacturing Systems |
Nano-Lessons in a Box (Free classroom kits loaned to teachers for two weeks) |
IBN Nano-Bio Kit |
Nano-Bio Kit Video
Biological Fuel Cell Kit
Dielectrophoresis Kit
Thermo-Responsive Hydrogel Kit
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Indigo Instruments |
DNA & RNA Models (12, 17, 22 base pair dna double helix models)
Nanotechnology Models (nanotubes, magnetic molecules, dendrimers)
Molymod Kits (diamond, graphite, buckyball, PVC, sugars, polymers, ice, salt, drugs, hormones)
Molymod Parts
Orbit molecular modeling kits (diamond, graphite, fullerene, alpha helix, beta pleated sheet, and more)
Orbit Parts |
Institute for Chemical Education |
Activity Guides and Science Kits:
Exploring the Nanoworld
Polyhedral Model Kit
Solid State Model Kit
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Educational Innovations |
General science education supplies |
Flinn Scientific |
General science education supplies |
Kinetic Systems |
Compact vibration isolation tables for STMs |
Nanoscience Inc |
Miniature STMs and AFMs used in UVA "Hands-on Nano" Class |
Nanosonic Schoolkits
(also see listing in preceding table) |
Description of the Nanotechnology Kit
Description of its activity on Electrostatic Self-Assembly |
Nanovic |
NanoBits Education Kit - A learning package for teenagers and young adults
See, Touch, Build and Wear Nanotechnology in action! |
Nanoscience Informal Science Education (NISE) Network |
Downloadable Nanodays Kits |
Pasco |
Water wave tank for demonstration of standing waves and diffraction limited focusing
As well as other general science education supplies |
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"Teacher Favorites"
To help teachers quickly find the best available nano teaching resources, we have starred () items that teachers have identified to us as being particularly valuable and effective. page.
Copyright: John C. Bean |