“Nanotechnology:
The smallest BIG idea in science”
eResources for K-12
ACS National Chemistry Week
October 21-27, 2012
This is a collection of online resources (websites, software, etc.) featuring educational materials on
nanotechnology and related concepts. A separate collection of Books and Video Resources is also
available.
Key: E=Elementary (K-5), I=Intermediate (6-8), HS=High School (9-12), C=College, G=General Public
Nanotechnology Networks
Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network - NISE Net (E, I, HS, C, G)
http://www.nisenet.org
The Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net) is a national
community of researchers and informal educators dedicated to share the
passions and engage public awareness of advances in nanoscale research. The
“catalog” section is a great place to access a wide variety of materials covering
nanoscience, engineering and technology. The “What is Nano”
http://whatisnano.org/ section is geared towards K-12 educators and has easily
accessible videos and resources for the classroom.
Provided by: Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network and National
Science Foundation
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (E, I, HS, C, G)
http://www.nnin.org/nnin_edu.html
The National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network is a partnership of 14 user
facilities housed on university campuses throughout the nation. Featured
nanotechnology topics are arranged by educational level from Elementary
through Post-Graduate level.
Provided by: National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network and National
Science Foundation
American Chemical Society
1155 Sixteenth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 T [123] 123 4567 F [123] 123 4567 www.acs.org
National Nanotechnology Initiative (E, I, HS, C, G)
http://www.nano.gov/education-training
The National Nanotechnology Initiative website is a central point of
communication for the Federal agencies working with Nanotechnology research.
The “Education” section provides links to helpful resources for K12 students. The
Teacher resources section lists nanotechnology classroom resources from all over
the country.
Provided by: National Nanotechnology Initiative and National Science
Foundation
Learn about Nano
Nanotechnology for Kids (I,HS, G)
http://www.explainthatstuff.com/nanotechnologyforkids.html
An article which defines the term nano and explains the history of
nanotechnology, how one works with nano-sized objects and applications for
nanomaterials.
Provided by: Chris Woodford, Explain that Stuff.com
Nanooze (E, I, HS, C, G)
http://www.nanooze.org/main/Nanooze/English.html
An online magazine (available in English, Spanish and Portuguese) which covers
nanotechnology for kids. Topics such as Nanomedicine, Nano Food, and Self
Assembly are covered. Students can use their tools to fight viruses in the Games
section. Free copies of the print editions of the magazines are available for the
classroom. See
http://www.nanooze.org/main/Nanooze/Download_Magazines.html for more
information.
Provided by: National Science Foundation & Cornell Nanoscience and
Technology Facility
Exploring the Nanoworld, Innovating through Materials (I, HS, C, G) - available
in Spanish
http://mrsec.wisc.edu/Edetc/index.php
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Materials Research Science and
Engineering Center Interdisciplinary Education Group has created a
comprehensive educational guide for Nanoscale Science and Materials Science.
There are slides, lesson plans, units and training videos on many topics in nano
and materials science. Take a look at the “Exploring Nanoworld with LEGO®
Bricks.
Provided by: The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and the
National Science Foundation
Nanozone (I, HS, C, G)
http://nanozone.org/index.htm
This interactive website introduces students to the concepts and the scientists
behind nanotechnology. There are videos and comics to illustrate the what, how,
who and why behind nanotechnology.
Provided by: Lawrence Hall of Science, The Regents of the University of
California, National Science Foundation, COINS and NASA.
Geckoman (E, I, G)
http://northeastern.edu/chn/geckoman/
Help Harold and Nikki save the world from the Nanoids by navigating within a
nanoscale world. Pick up Nikki’s lab notes to learn more about your environment
and nanoscale forces.
Provided by: Northeastern University, National Science Foundation, Museum of
Science, Center for High-rate Nanomanufacturing, and 15 days off.com
Nanotechnology: small science, big deal (E, I, HS, G)
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/antenna/nano/index.asp
Learn about nanotechnology used in sports, medicine and other aspects of your
everyday life. Play Duckboy in NanoLand to learn about the how forces are
different in the nanoscale world.
Provided by: Department of Trade and Industry, Science Museum UK
NanoKids™ (E, I, HS, G) – available in Spanish
http://nanokids.rice.edu/
The NanoKids™ series will teach and inform students about nanoscale science
and emerging technologies. Videos, workbooks, card games and teacher
resources are available to help you on your adventure.
Provided by: Rice University, Center for Biological and Environmental
Nanotechnology
DiscoverNANO (HS, C, G)
http://www.discovernano.northwestern.edu/index_html
Developed by Northwestern University, this website will help students learn the
basics of nanotechnology. Start with Nano 101 link to learn about the history
and see the History of Nano timeline. Teachers can “learn more” about
classroom projects you can share with your students. Take a look at the Nano
Art Gallery to explore worlds within worlds.
Provided by: Kathleen A. Cook, Northwestern University
How Nanotechnology Works (HS, C, G)
http://www.howstuffworks.com/nanotechnology.htm
Students can learn the basics from this in-depth article on Nanotechnology.
Short videos and illustrations explain topics.
Provided by: How Stuff Works and Discovery Communications
TryNano.org (HS, C, G)
http://www.trynano.org
TryNano.org is a resource for anyone interested in learning about Nanoscience
and Nanotechnology. Students from the intermediate level and above are
introduced to the different types of nanomaterials and experts in the field.
Teachers can benefit from the online resources, including lesson plans.
Provided by: IBM, IEEE, Try Science and the New York Hall of Science
Science360 The Knowledge Network (HS, C, G)
http://science360.gov
Science360 compiles videos from scientists, researchers, colleges and universities
as well as science and engineering centers. Use the search box to find videos on
“nano” related topics such as “The Nano Song,” nanomaterials as cancer markers
and nanotechnology which removes arsenic from drinking water.
Provided by: Science360 and National Science Foundation
Properties of Materials
Strange Matter (I, HS, C, G)
http://www.strangematterexhibit.com/index.html
Developed by the Ontario Science Centre and presented by the Materials
Research Society, Strange Matter covers materials science in an interactive
environment. The website incorporates videos and interactive games to explain
material properties.
Provided by: Ontario Science Centre, Materials Research Society and National
Science Foundation
Microworlds (HS, C, G)
http://www.lbl.gov/MicroWorlds/
Explore the structure of materials with Berkeley Lab’s Advanced Light Source. On
this self paced tour, students learn and explore what it’s like to work in the lab.
Take a look at the three classroom teaching models for “Exploring the Material
World.”
Provided by: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California
Regents
The Atoms Family (E, I, HS, C, G)
http://www.miamisci.org/af/sln/
Check out the Mummy’s Tomb, Dracula’s Library, Frankenstein’s Lightning
Laboratory, the Phantom’s Portrait Parlor, and Wolf Man’s Ghostly Graveyard to
learn about the principles and properties of atoms and matter, and about fuel
conservation and energy transfer.
Provided by: Miami Science Museum, Museum of Science, Inc. and Science
Learning Network
General Resources
AMSER: Applied Math and Science Education Repository (HS, C)
http://amser.org/
AMSER is funded by the National Science Foundation as part of the National
Science Digital Library and is a portal of educational resources and services for
those in the community college and technical college community.
Provided by: Internet Scout
Teachers’ Domain (E, I, HS, C, G)
http://www.teachersdomain.org/
Teachers' Domain is an extensive library of free digital media resources
produced by public television, designed for classroom use and professional
development. Funding for the Teachers’ Domain is provided by the National
Science Foundation. Videos and lesson plans can be found for “nano” topics,
including career advice and lab tours. Free registration is required to fully
access the site.
Provided by: WGBH Educational Foundation
Apps
Science360 for the iPad (HS, C, G)
http://itunes.apple.com/app/science360-for-ipad/id439928181?mt=8
Free (iPad)
This app corresponds to the Science360 website. Science360 compiles videos
from scientists, researchers, colleges and universities as well as science and
engineering centers.
Provided by: National Science Foundation
DIY Nano (HS, C, G)
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/diy-nano/id520611568?mt=8
Free (iPhone, iPad)
This app corresponds to the “What is Nano?” http://whatisnano.org/ website
and displays kid (and family) friendly activities for use in the home or the
classroom. The activities section feature detailed explanations with applicable
videos as well as step-by-step instructions with materials lists. Videos and
quick access to “What is Nano?” http://whatisnano.org/ is also incorporated
into the app.
Provided by Lawrence Hall of Science, Sciencecenter, Emily Maletz Graphic
Design, NISE Net and National Science Foundation