NNIN Education Site

Nanotechnology Educational Resources and Activities for K-12 Teachers

Nanotechnology in the Curriculum
	So where does Nanotechnology fit in the curriculum?   On one hand, it is not Physics, Biology, or Chemistry.  On the other hand, it is all of them !  It is where engineering and science meet. Is nanotechnology a subject of its own, or is it just a way of thinking about other subjects?
	More Info >

Research Experience for Teachers
	NNIN does not have its own network-wide RET program. Five NNIN Sites do, however, have an RET program funded by the National Science Foudnation. Participants conduct cutting edge research and develop classroom materials related to nanotechnology.
	More info>

Teacher Workshops in Nanotechnology
	The NNIN offers and is further developing teacher workshops for middle and high school teachers.  The duration varies by site but typically run from one to three days.  Workshop content explores how to incorporate standards-based instructional units related to nanotechnology into the science classroom.  Some sites offer nanofabrication workshops where teaches explore the fundamentals of nanofabrication processes. This section will provide information on how you can learn about workshops at the various sites
	More Info >

Nanotechnology Curriculum Materials
	Complete list of Curriculum Materials NNIN Instructional Units  Size and Scale- A measurement Unit Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic Surfaces- Exploring polarity and chemical bonding (NNIN RET Unit) Exploring Nanotechnology through Consumer Products - An introduction to nanotechnology through currently available consumer products  Exploring Magic Sand- Superhydrophobic materials unit which explores polarity of molecules Shape Memory Alloys- Understanding solid state phase transformations Modeling Self Assembly - A guided inquiry activity that explores molecular interactions and polarity (NNIN RET Unit) Reading and Analyzing Nanotechnology - Reading and analyzing science -- reading across the curriculum (NNIN RET unit) Design Challenge - Using a shape memory alloy to teach design concepts  (NNIN RET unit) Catalysis - Exploring reactants, catalysts, adsorption, desorption, and diffusion (NNIN RET unit) Surface to Volume Ratio - Understanding chemical reactions at the molecular and atomic level (NNIN RET unit) Scanning Probe Microscopy - An introduction to microscopy at the molecule and atomic scale

Interesting Technical Articles
	Nanotechnology Products- from better tennis balls to better drug delivery What is Nanotechnology Nanotechnology Careers- consider a career in the expanding field of Nanotechnology Seeing Nanotechnology- how do we "see" nanostructures

NNIN at NSTA Convention
	Since 2005, the NNIN has provided education and outreach support to teachers attending the National Science Teachers Association annual meeting.  We have been the only organization exhibiting at NSTA with a focus on nanoscale science and engineering education.
	More Info >

Get Nanooze Magazine for your Classroom
	Nanooze (print) is the print version of NNIN's web based science magazine for kids (link to nanooze.org). The First edition provides an introduction to nanotechnology at the middle school level, written in a style attractive to kids. Topics addressed map onto a variety of state and national learning objectives so that it can be adapted into many classroom situations. It is available free to teachers in classroom packs of 30 or more. To request the current and future issues of Nanooze, please email rathbun@cnf.cornell.edu, subject: Nanooze Please, with teacher name school/class/grade information, and address. Upcoming issues will address the five senses from a nanotechnology point of view.	<!--[endif]-->

Off-site Nanotechnology Links of Possible Interest ( open in new window)

North Carolina State University: Instructional materials for teachers including a lesson on viruses.  Link

Northwestern University: Materials World Modules and National Center for Learning and Teaching in Nanoscale includes instructional materials & workshops. Link 1, Link 2

Rice University:

                NanoKids:  a series of 12 self-contained nanoscale science & technology lessons for grades 6-12. Link

                CBEN: Teacher professional development & student enrichment programs run by the Center. Link 

Science Central: Information & videos on current nano research. Click link on technology for nano info. Link 

Science Museum UK Online: Information about nanotechnology & an interactive game. Link 
 

Understanding Nanotechnology: General information about nanotechnology & its applications. Link

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Nano-CEMMS provides teacher & student programs including “lessons in a box.” Link 

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Site explores relative sizes of objects. Contains the classic video "Powers of 10" by Eames & Eames, along with other resources for investigating scientific notation & the scale of things. Link 

University of Wisconsin-Madison:

                MRSEC A variety of kits & resources focused on nanoscale science & engineering, including societal and environmental issues. Link 

                NSEC Lessons for the K-12 science classrooms & after school groups. Link 

Vega Science Trust, England: Videos on basics of nanotechnology & how it will change the world. Link 

Virginia Tech: A resource for nanotechnology links. Link 

Woodrow Wilson International Center:  Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies focuses on engaging the public & consumers on the safe development ofnanotechnology. Link 

Return to NNIN Education Portal                       Return to NNIN Home Page