National Nanotechnology Programs--Educational Resources
Nanotechnology is a high national priority. Numerous federal agencies and programs have developed or funded a creative and diverse array of educational resources for instructors and students at all educational levels and for the general public. Explore the rich resources that support teaching and learning about nanotechnology.
- National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure Program (NNCI)--The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports 16 user facility sites, their affiliated partners, and a coordinating office as the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI). The NNCI sites provide researchers from academia, small and large companies, and government with access to university user facilities with leading-edge fabrication and characterization tools, instrumentation, and expertise within all disciplines of nanoscale science, engineering and technology.
- National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) ".... a U.S. Government research and development (R&D) initiative involving >30 departments and independent agencies working together toward the shared vision of "a future in which the ability to understand and control matter at the nanoscale leads to a revolution in technology and industry that benefits society."
- National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO) --"The National Nanotechnology Coordination Office (NNCO) conducts public engagement on behalf of the NNI and provides technical and administrative support to the National Science, Engineering, and Technology (NSET) Subcommittee and the interagency nanotechnology community. NNCO activities include efforts to convene the nanotechnology community, share information on available resources and opportunities, engage with the public, excite students about nanotechnology, and share highlights and information about nanotechnology and the NNI."
- Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge Network (NACK) (Nano4Me.org)-- "The Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge (NACK) Network is the NSF National ATE Center for Nanotechnology research, education, and collaboration, maintained by the Network for Computational Nanotechnology at Purdue University, founded in 2002."
- NanoHUB provides modeling and simulation tools and educational materials to the world to have impact in education and research. Nano.Hub hosts a growing collection of simulation tools that run in the cloud and are freely accessible through a web browser. In addition to these tools, nanoHUB is home to thousands of resources including teaching materials, courses, presentations, workshops, and more.
- TryNano --Developed by IEEE: "This portal focuses on nanotechnology, and we hope it will help young people understand the basic issues addressed by this discipline. We also strive tooffer insight into the nanotechnology industry and describe careers in nanotechnology. On this site,users can explore nanomaterials and learn about different applications of nanotechnology. There are also spotlights of different companies and universities that apply nanotechnology to products and processes."
- National Informal STEM Education Network (NISE) -- The National Informal STEM Education Network brings people together to engage in STEM, understand our world, and build a better future for everyone. Has developed the Nanocale Informal Science Network with activities, outreach kits, videos, training materials and content maps.
- NanoSense Project (2004-2008)--Developed by SRI International that includes development of 4 Curricular Activities, Workshops, and Papers. "The NanoSense project (2004-2008) addressed the question of how to teach nanoscale science at the high school level. Working closely with scientists and educators, the project created, tested, and disseminated 4 curriculum units to help high school teachers and students understand nanoscale science. The project hosted workshops to introduce teachers to the materials, and 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 under Grant No. ESI-0426319."
- Micro Nano Technology Education Center MNTEC -- The goal of MNT-EC is to: "Grow the MNT technician workforce by fostering academic and industry mentorship between existing MNT partners and educators developing prospective community college MNT programs".
Educational Resources for Special Audiences and Topics, Collected From Across National Nanotechnology Projects
Follow these quick links to resources from across the National Nanotechnology programs organized for audiences or topics of interest:
K-12 Nanotechnology Resource, Teacher Training, Student Recruitment Teacher Professional Development
Teacher Professional Development
- NNCO: NanoEducators Quarterly Forum--"Join other science teachers for short informational talks, discussions, and informal resource sharing. These virtual events are held throughout the year in January, April, September, and November."
- NACK: Professional Development; for Educators-- Penn State Center for Nanotechnology Utilization webinar series; archived webinars 2009-2021 or visit the NACK YouTube channel that has 31 presentations posted.
- NISE: Professional Development Resources --Includes Training Videos, Upcoming On-line Workshops and Archives of Workshop Recordings, Professional Learning For Educators, Resources for Scientists, Learn About Collaborations
- MNTEC: For educators: Intro to Nanotechnology Course. This course is designed to be used in two ways: 1) The course can be imported as a plug-and-play complete Introduction to Nanotechnology course, or 2) Each module can be used individually to supplement an existing course.
- Nano@Stanford: 2024 NanoSIMST Nanoscience Institute for Middle School Teachers and Institute Website
- MINIC Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Program--The RET program engages five science teachers at the high school or community college level in a six week experience of hands-on nanotechnology research and curriculum development at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus.
- Montana State University/MONT: Master of Science in Science Education -- The Master of Science in Science Education (MSSE) program offers unique online and campus-based courses in all science disciplines designed for traditional and informal science educators. An emphasis on science inquiry, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and a culminating Capstone Project, often based on the Action-Research model, are hallmarks of the program.
- In collaboration with MONT, the Dept. of Electrical Engineering offers Solar Cell Basics for Science Teachers. Solar Cell Basics is a course for science educators, to train them to teach principles of solar cells. The course is designed to help science teachers, grades 6 to 12, understand the operating principles and the fabrication processes of modern solar cells that convert light energy to electrical energy. The course has a laboratory component in which solar cells will be fabricated in the Montana Microfabrication Facility (MMF). Each student will process 4 inch silicon wafers using the various steps necessary to make solar cells.
- NCI-SW: REU and RET Programs (2016-2023)
- NNF Summer Research Experiences for Teachers --"Teachers will spend time designing curricular materials to use in their classroom and will share these teaching materials during the program and after they return to their home institution. Be a part of a national initiative this summer, learning about nanoscience research, creating your own curriculum, and discovering new ways to teach science and engineering."
- RTNN Research Experiences for Teachers
- SDNI Nanotechnology Summer Institute for Middle and High School Teachers --RET teachers receive hands-on nanotechnology research experience in a UCSD Faculty lab for a period of 6-8 weeks. At the end of the program, participants produce a lesson plan, based on their research experience or another nanotechnology topic of their choice, that they must bring back to their respective schools/colleges for implementation in their class as well as sharing with their peers.
- SHyNE Research Experiences for Teachers --As one of the four sites in the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure Network (NNCI) RET collaborative program, SHyNE will be offering local High School and Community College teachers the opportunity to experience the excitement of nanotechnology research and to share this experience in their classrooms and with their peers.
Student Recruitment and Career Paths in Nanotechnology
- NNCI Careers Brochure for High School Students
- CNF: 4-H Career Explorations in STEM--"CNF is proud to partner with NYS 4-H in support of their STEM activities. As a program of Cooperative Extension, 4-H reaches every county in NY State. Their expanded mission embracing STEM makes CNF's partnership with 4-H an excellent vehicle for reaching a broad population. Each summer, CNF, along with many other Cornell departments, participates in the 4-H Career Explorations event which brings nearly 500 youth from across NY to the Cornell campus for several days of hand-on activities."
- MONT/SERC: Preparing for a Career in Nanoscience in the Earth and Environmental Sciences: A Guide for Students and Their Mentors -- What careers are available? How to prepare for a career in nanotechnology. Recommended course of study--required and elective courses with an emphasis on Earth and Environmental Science. Additional experiences to build a portfolio. Graduate student preparation, how to get started in a graduate program in nanotechnology. Other professional development experiences. Recommended readings and other career preparation resources.
- Videos on Career Preparation
- MNTEC: For Students and Families--Videos of successful students who share their insights on their educational journey and careers in the micro/nano industry.
- NNI: NextTech Student Network--NextTech is a network of student-run clubs at universities and colleges across the country. NextTech students participate in an Annual Student Leaders Conference. Check out an online collection of Professional Development Webinars and Videos.
- TryNano.org--IEEE: Find Nanotechnology Degrees --"Many universities around the globe that currently offer nanotechnology degrees and the list is growing. TryNano.org has compiled a comprehensive global of universities offering associate, certificate, undergraduate, graduate, and PhD programs in Nanotechnology. "
- NACK: NACK Handbook for Processes and Best Practices for Nanotechnology Workforce Development (2015)
- NACK: Student Outreach Resources from NACK Handbook
- Nano.Hub Nanotechnology Workforce Development -- This community is a place to share information on teaching nanotechnology courses for workforce development. Resources on nanoHUB that are geared towards high school, community college and undergraduate university students interested in technical careers will be highlighted. Within this group, community members can contribute to the group collections and use the discussion forum to talk to one another about topics of interest, such as variations of lesson plans or ways that other teachers approach certain concepts. If you need assistance, send a message to the group manager. Nano.hub Resources for Student Career Development
- VaTech NanoEarth: MUNI: Multicultural and Underserved Nanoscience Initiative --MUNI is a NanoEarth signature initiative. With only 11% of underrepresented people working in science and engineering jobs, MUNI strives to provide an opportunity for inspiring those groups to pursue nanoscience degrees and careers. MUNI provides access to and training opportunities on state-of-the-art nanoscience-relevant instrumentation, as well as nano-synthesis and processing laboratories, for underrepresented professionals and students. For students, MUNI serves all academic levels, from K-12, to community college students, to students in four-year programs and even graduate school.
K-12 Resources and Activities
- NNCI Education and Outreach --The NNCI portal to Resources for K-16 educators.
- NNCO: Resources for Educators
- NNCO: About Nanotechnology -- An introduction to Nanotechnology, what's special about Nanotechnology, working at the nanoscale, applications of Nanotechnology, responsible development of Nanotechnology, a timeline of significant advances in Nanotechnology, and a glossary and acronyms.
- NSF Nanoscience Classroom Resources -- This collection of lessons and web resources is aimed at classroom teachers, their students, and students' families.
- Nano.Hub Education Resources --This is a database of nanoeducation resources that can be searched, filtered, and sorted. Resources are listed by topic area, grade level, core discipline, STEM content area, and resource type. Developed by Quinn Spadola, Georgia Tech and Lisa Friedersdorf, NNCO.
- TryNano.org-IEEE: Nanotechnology Lesson Plans (ages 8-18); 9 activities are posted.
- National Science Teaching Association: -- NSTA provides a nice framework in which to discuss ideas related to nanoscale science and engineering: Big Ideas of Nanoscale Science and Engineering: A Guidebook for Secondary Teachers.
Primary K-5
- NANOOZE "is a place to hear about the latest exciting stuff in science and technology, particularly things related to Nanotechnology, the science of really small things! Nanooze is a magazine that has been created to get kids excited about science and especially nanotechnology the science of really small things." Browse through articles, blogs, Meet a Scientist profiles, and Download past issues. Read and download this kid-friendly e-magazine." Nanooze is a project of the Cornell Nanoscale Facility part of the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI)
- NACK K-6 Resources
- Nano.Hub for Elementary and Middle School -This community is a place to share information on teaching nanoscience to younger students, from kindergarten through 8th grade. Group members can communicate with one another via the forum. This may be a good place to talk about lesson plans or ways to approach certain concepts. You can post notices for events on the group calendar and collaborate on projects with other members. You can also collect and share items using the group collections.
Secondary 6-12 (Middle and High School)
- NACK K-12 Resources High School Level
- NanoSense Project (2004-2008)--program by SRI International that includes development of 4 Curricular Activities, Workshops, and Papers.
- Nano.Hub for High School --This community is a place to share information on teaching nanoscience to high school students. Resources on nanoHUB that are geared towards high school students will be highlighted, and links provided to good material outside nanoHUB. Within this group, community members can communicate with one another via the discussion forum, which is a good place to talk about lesson plans or ways that other teachers approach certain concepts.We encourage contributions from the community! If you teach a nano-related lesson, consider sharing it with the community. You can informally share your material through a file upload to a group collection, or the group manager will gladly help you create a nanoHUB publication.
- NNF Teacher Resources
- RTNN K-12 Teachers and Students, Classroom Learning and Field Trips
- RTNN Immersive Lab Experiences --The RTNN has created immersive lab experiences for K-12 students in an effort to give students engaging, hands-on activities in our facilities. In this program, students come to the facilities and work alongside other users. To prepare for the visit, the activities include work outside the facilities including watching videos, collecting samples to image, and designing a photomask. In the facilities, students operate the equipment and take ownership of the work.
- SDNI: OMNI NANO Program
- VaTech NanoEarth: MUNI: Multicultural and Underserved Nanoscience Initiative --MUNI is a NanoEarth signature initiative. With only 11% of underrepresented people working in science and engineering jobs, MUNI strives to provide an opportunity for inspiring those groups to pursue nanoscience degrees and careers. MUNI provides access to and training opportunities on state-of-the-art nanoscience-relevant instrumentation, as well as nano-synthesis and processing laboratories, for underrepresented professionals and students. For students, MUNI serves all academic levels, from K-12, to community college students, to students in four-year programs and even graduate school.
Undergraduate Education
2YC Workforce Training, Programs and Opportunities
- Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNTEC) --An NSF-ATE project centered at Pasadena Community College The goal of MNT-EC is to: "Grow the MNT technician workforce by fostering academic and industry mentorship between existing MNT partners and educators developing prospective community college MNT programs".
- For educators: Intro to Nanotechnology Course. This course is designed to be used in two ways: 1) The course can be imported as a plug-and-play complete Introduction to Nanotechnology course, or 2) Each module can be used individually to supplement an existing course.
- MNT-Collaborative Undergraduate Research Network. "MNT-CURN is a unique undergraduate research program for students in 2-year technical education programs that starts with academic-year online meetings and culminates with a summer capstone research experience."
- Journal of Advanced Technological Education. "The Journal of Advanced Technological Education (J ATE) is a peer-reviewed technical journal produced by the ATE community. J ATE is a platform for educators who are interested in teaching advanced technologies and technician education. This includes 2-year community college faculty, undergraduate researchers, STEM educators in grades K-12, university faculty, as well as industry personnel."
- Videos
- NACK: Choose a Pathway --Find a 2-year degree nanotech education program near you.
- MANTH: Community College of Philadelphia Internship Workforce Training--The Singh Center and Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) are partnering to offer a paid summer internship opportunity for CCP students. Interns work for 20 hours per week during the 14-week internship. At the Singh Center, interns work in the Quattrone Nanofabrication Facility, or "cleanroom." They learn the basics of nanofabrication through hands-on training on fabrication methods and cleanroom equipment operation and maintenance. Interns select a project for the summer, which provides a context that structures their work beyond general safety, equipment and basics of nanoscience training.
- Nano@Stanford: Community College Internships-Partnerships -- 6 videos
- VaTech NanoEarth: MUNI: Multicultural and Underserved Nanoscience Initiative --MUNI is a NanoEarth signature initiative. With only 11% of underrepresented people working in science and engineering jobs, MUNI strives to provide an opportunity for inspiring those groups to pursue nanoscience degrees and careers. MUNI provides access to and training opportunities on state-of-the-art nanoscience-relevant instrumentation, as well as nano-synthesis and processing laboratories, for underrepresented professionals and students. For students, MUNI serves all academic levels, from K-12, to community college students, to students in four-year programs and even graduate school.
- SHINE: Seattle's Hub for Industry-Driven Nanotechnology Education --Seattle's Hub for Industry-driven Nanotechnology Education (SHINE) is the ATE Regional Center for nanotechnology in the Pacific Northwest, serving students, educators, industry and communities.Mission: SHINE provides students and educators with state-of-the-art skills and resources to create a strong and successful nanotechnician workforce. Vision and . Vision and Values: SHINE believes that every person deserves the opportunity to learn nanotechnology. Toward that end we provide state-of-the-art technical education, foster partnership with industry, and develop resources to prepare top-talent workforce. SHINE serves students, educators, and industry partners to meet the current and future needs in nanotechnology throughout the region.
Undergraduate Classes
- Stanford Online edX: Nano@Standford; This resource contains materials to prepare researchers to become effective users of the nano@stanford nanofabrication and nanocharacterization tools and facilities, as well as to be useful to anyone wanting to learn about nanofabrication. The nano@stanford facilities include the Stanford Nanofabrication Facility (SNF), the Stanford Nano Shared Facilities (SNSF), the Stanford Materials Analysis Facility (MAF), and the Stanford Environmental Measurement Facility (EMF). Anyone can take this course: one does not have to be an SNF or SNSF lab member or in any way affiliated with Stanford University to take this course. Anyone can learn about nanofabrication and nanocharacterization techniques and tools and the principles behind them by reading any of the course material. The course lasts for 10 weeks, 5 hours/week, and is self-paced.
- Nebraska Nanoscale Facility Minicourse Registration (2023 Event closed, but describes nature of program)--In-person hands-on training will be taught by NNF Specialists from November 8-10 in the Voelte-Keegan Nanoscience Center, located on the City Campus at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (16th and W Streets). During this time, the program will train new users in the technical aspects of any two pieces of equipment of their choice. Participants will have the opportunity to learn materials analysis, advanced materials characterization, fabrication of nanostructured materials, electronic devices, structural components, and advances in nanotechnology. Attendees will also have the opportunity to get first-hand knowledge of the potential benefits to their research and development activities and how to become users of the facilities.
- SDNI: OMNI NANO Program
- NanoHub-U. -- NanoHub-U offers a number of self-paced and instructor-led courses. Certificates are offered only for instructor-led courses through edX. "Transcending disciplines with short courses accessible to students in any branch of science or engineering. Cutting-edge topics distilled into short lectures with quizzes, homework, and practice exams." Check out the catalog of courses that are available.
- Lessons From Nanoscience-- A Lecture Note Series: "World Scientific Publishing Company: Lessons from Nanoscience. More than 50 years of research and development have created the sophisticated technologies that have shaped the world we live in. The transformation of engineering education from the practice-driven vacuum tube era to our science-driven semiconductor era played an important role in this success. Today we face new challenges in educating students, engineers, and applied scientists for a new era of electronics. Engineers will continue to need a deep understanding of their specialty, but they now also need a much broader understanding of science and technology than in the past. They need to be comfortable working from the atomic scale to the macroscale " from the materials and devices level to the system level. Lessons from Nanoscience aims to bring new approaches and new ways of thinking to materials, devices, and systems. The goal is to re-think the way we teach these topics so that working from the nanoscale to the system scale is seamless and intuitive. The Lessons from Nanoscience lecture notes series is one component of an ambitious educational initiative that includes free, online short courses offered through nanoHUB-U.
Teaching Activities and Resources
- NNCI Education and Outreach -- The NNCI portal to Resources for K-16 educators.
- NACK Post-Secondary Resources:
- TryNano: Nanotechnology Lesson Plans (ages 8-18); 9 activities are posted.
- MONT: Teaching Nanotechnology Across the STEM Curriculum -- website in partnership with the Science Education Resource Center, Carleton College, MN.
- Preparing for a Career in Nanoscience in the Earth and Environmental Sciences: A Guide for Students and Their Mentors
- Nanoscience Resources for Instuctors
- Nanoscience Literature for Earth and Environmental Science --seminal articles from the scientific literature to support class or independent study projects for teaching and learning about nanoscience.
- Instruments and Analytical methods Common to Nanoscience -- a series of introductory tutorials to introduce students to X-ray crystallography, electron beam methods (SEM, EDS, EBSD, CL), bulk elemental analysis (major and trace element), mass spectrometry, surface spectroscopies, micro-imaging, and other related spectroscopies. Modules are written for upper division undergraduate or graduate students to help prepare for future training on instruments, or to help users be informed readers of the literature or attendees at presentations.
- Ethics Education for Nanotechnology -- Responsible conduct of research, professional behaviors of scientists, ethical decision-making, and special ethical challenges related to nanotechnology.
- VaTech NanoEarth: MUNI: Multicultural and Underserved Nanoscience Initiative --MUNI is a NanoEarth signature initiative. With only 11% of underrepresented people working in science and engineering jobs, MUNI strives to provide an opportunity for inspiring those groups to pursue nanoscience degrees and careers. MUNI provides access to and training opportunities on state-of-the-art nanoscience-relevant instrumentation, as well as nano-synthesis and processing laboratories, for underrepresented professionals and students. For students, MUNI serves all academic levels, from K-12, to community college students, to students in four-year programs and even graduate school.
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Sites
- CNF REU Program -- "The Cornell NanoScale Science & Technology Facility Research Experiences for Undergraduates (CNF REU) Program takes full advantage of this diversity of research and offers projects encompassing chemistry, nanoscale electronics, materials processing, physical sciences, engineering, and life sciences, with a strong inter-disciplinary emphasis.
- CNF International REU Japan Program. "Since 2008, CNF has directed an international research experience program, giving talented undergraduates (and recent graduates) an advanced international research experience in an international environment. Currently we have a relationship with the National Institute of Materials Science (NIMS) in Tsukuba, Japan. Each year we select six outstanding undergraduates for this program, selected from the pool of prior year participants in the NNCI REU program."
- MANTH REU -- This 10-week program gives undergraduate students the opportunity to work with scientists on the cutting-edge of nanoscale research. The Singh Center offers four major research facilities, all featuring state-of-the-art equipment for nanoscale characterization, measurement, and fabrication: the Quattrone Nanofabrication Facility, the Nanoscale Characterization Facility, the Scanning and Local Probe Facility, and the Material Property Measurement Facility. Summer projects may include ones in which students work on a research project within a Penn faculty member's lab, as well as unique project opportunities to work on research originating from the Singh Center research facilities themselves. Students will be matched to projects based on their background, interests and the projects' needs and requirements.
- NCI-SW -- REU and RET Programs (2016-2023)
- NNF REU Programs "NNF offers a 10-week summer fellowship that provides undergraduate students with an opportunity for interdisciplinary research in a nanoscale science or engineering laboratory on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus. The Nebraska Nanoscale Facility summer research REU includes faculty mentors from the following university departments: Physics, Mechanical Materials Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering and Chemical Engineering."
- RTNN REU on Hybrid Perovskite Materials --RTNN hosts a collaborative REU site that leverages the strength of collaborative research on hybrid materials, specifically hybrid perovskites, together with the integrated nanotechnology tools of the RTNN to provide a state-of-the-art research experience on a timely research topic that has direct and tangible technological applications (e.g. solar cells, lighting, lasers). Each year, twelve students conduct research in faculty labs across the three RTNN institutions: the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, and Duke University.
- SDNI REU Program --The goal of this program is to provide undergrads with research experience in the field of nanotechnology as well as professional development through programmatic activities which enriches their experiential learning and better prepare them for graduate school. Please take note that each selected participant will be assigned to a faculty mentor involved with nanotechnology research, and specific research area will depend on faculty's availability.
- SENIC REU Summer Internship Program GT-IEN SENIC Internship in Nanotechnology (SUIN)--A program of SENIC at the Institute for Electronics and Nanotechnology, Georgia Institute of Technology. Explore exciting interdisciplinary opportunities in nanoscale science and engineering at Georgia Tech's IEN facilities. In addition to research, participants will practice science communication methods and learn about entrepreneurship through a series of presentations and customer discovery exercises.
- SHyNE Research Experience for Undergraduates -SHyNE Resource has developed a unique REU program providing facilities focused research projects for four undergraduate students (50% from underrepresented minority groups). Research projects are developed in close collaboration between SHyNE facility staff and Northwestern faculty. This combination of a traditional REU research experience with the hands on instrumentation focus provides an opportunity for students to learn new skills and enrich their experience.
Graduate Programs in Nanotechnology
- MANTH: Master's Program in Nanotechnology--University of Pennsylvania and Graduate Student Fellow Program --Learn Nanotechnology and Semiconductor in the World-class Facilities; diverse curriculum, hands-on laboratory, research experience, student support career consulting, networking.
- Montana State University/MONT: Master of Science in Science Education -- The Master of Science in Science Education (MSSE) program offers unique online and campus-based courses in all science disciplines designed for traditional and informal science educators. An emphasis on science inquiry, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and a culminating Capstone Project, often based on the Action-Research model, are hallmarks of the program.
- In collaboration with MONT, the Dept. of Electrical Engineering offers Solar Cell Basics for Science Teachers. Solar Cell Basics is a course for science educators, to train them to teach principles of solar cells. The course is designed to help science teachers, grades 6 to 12, understand the operating principles and the fabrication processes of modern solar cells that convert light energy to electrical energy. The course has a laboratory component in which solar cells will be fabricated in the Montana Microfabrication Facility (MMF). Each student will process 4 inch silicon wafers using the various steps necessary to make solar cells.
Informal Education and Outreach
- NNCO: National Nanotechnology Day --"National Nanotechnology Day is an annual event featuring community-led events and activities on or around October 9 to help raise awareness of nanotechnology, its use in products that enrich our daily lives, and the challenges and opportunities for the future. This date, 10/9, pays homage to the nanometer scale, 10-9 meters."
- NNCO: Nano4Earth-- the Climate Change National Nanotechology Challenge. "Enduring climate change solutions will require multi-faceted approaches that increase understanding of the science, advance useful technologies, and help society prepare for predicted climate change impacts. The breadth and versatility of nanotechnology enables a unique opportunity to combat climate change on all fronts. Nano4EARTH recognizes the role nanotechnology will and already plays in: Evaluating, monitoring, and detecting climate change status and trends; Averting future greenhouse gas emissions; Removing existing greenhouse gases; Training and educating a highly skilled workforce to harness nanotechnology solutions; and developing Higher resilience to and mitigation of climate change-induced pressures for improved societal/economic resilience.
- National Informal STEM Education Network (NISE) --The Nanoscale Informal STEM Education Network created a wide range of educational materials and professional resources including:
- NISE Nano Framework and Content Maps
- CNF: 4-H Career Explorations in STEM--"CNF is proud to partner with NYS 4-H in support of their STEM activities. As a program of Cooperative Extension, 4-H reaches every county in NY State. Their expanded mission embracing STEM makes CNF's partnership with 4-H an excellent vehicle for reaching a broad population. Each summer, CNF, along with many other Cornell departments, participates in the 4-H Career Explorations event which brings nearly 500 youth from across NY to the Cornell campus for several days of hands-on activities."
- NanoDay@Penn: Nanotechnology is all around us! Learn about nanotechnology, meet professionals in the field, and discuss careers associated with nanotechnology. The Singh Center for Nanotechnology at the University of Pennsylvania hosts high and middle school students at NanoDay @ Penn 2023. Meet researchers, engineers, undergraduate/graduate students at Penn, Drexel University and Goeppert.
- Nano@STanford: K-14 Nano Resources; Videos on
- How to Lead an Outstanding Outreach event with a SEM Demonstration, Learn best practices from Abby Carbone, a Materials Science and Engineering PhD student, and an experienced outreach volunteer on Scanning Electron Microscopes, SEM.
- NCI-SW Outreach --ASU Open Door and Arizona SciTech Festival; STEM Fest; Indigenous Peoples Day Phoenix Festival, City of Tempe's Geeks Night Out, Lab Tours
- RTNN Take-out Science --Take-out Science is a program designed to provide you with take-out access to our nanotechnology tools and experts. Approximately twice a month, we stream or post a new show in focused on a different theme. All shows are designed with K-12 audiences in mind and are open to everyone.
- SENIC: Outreach Demonstration Guide-- A detailed guide to some nanotechnology demonstrations, developed by the NNCI site at Georgia Tech. These are not full scale lessons, but rather 10 minutes activities.This guide consists of a variety of demonstrations that the SENIC Education Office at Georgia Institute of Technology; 17 easily accessible tested activities for demonstrations with Instruction Sheets for students and the public.
- SHyNE: NanoJournalism --SHyNE Resource, collaborating with Northwestern Medill School of Journalism and School of Communications, has established a novel Nano Journalism focus within the existing Health, Environment and Science Journalism program. The program began in 2016 and multiple components will be introduced, designed to bring journalism students into the facilities to learn about nanoscience research and connect scientists and researchers with the Medill experts in science writing to help them effectively communicate their research to a general audience.
- VaTech NanoEarth: Pulse of the Planet-- Syndicated radio producer Jim Metzner (multiple radio media major-award winner, plus multiple NSF, Grammy Foundation, and Fulbright grants) produces NanoEarth sponsored Pulse of the Planet radio shows. These Pulse of the Planet radio shows are about nanoenvironmental research and environmental nanoscience and engineering in general.
Instrumentation--Tutorials and Access
- NNCI Tools Database--Search for instruments commonly used in nanofabrication and characterization.
- NNCI Online Educational/ Training Materials --introduction to instrumentation and facilities uses in nanotechnology fabrication and characterization.
- Remotely Accessible Instruments for Nanotechnology (RAIN). -- "NACK's network of remotely accessible scientific equipment lowers the barrier-to-entry and enables instructors to deliver authentic and relevant educational activities for students interested in learning about nanotechnology and other STEM fields. The RAIN program engages the next generation STEM workforce (technicians, technologists, engineers, educators and scientists) in their day-to-day classrooms with a connection to experts and tools in labs at institutions where cutting-edge research is being performed."
- TryNano.org--IEEE: Nanotechnology Games --Virtual Microscope "The Virtual Microscope is a NASA-funded project that provides simulated scientific instrumentation for students and researchers worldwide as part of NASA's Virtual Laboratory initiative. The instrumentation includes a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Light Microscope, Atomic Force Microscope, and an Energy Dispersive Spectrometer for the SEM. Examine real specimens using sets of images systematically photographed at hundreds of positions and several magnifications.
- MONT: Instruments and Analytical methods Common to Nanoscience -- a series of introductory tutorials to introduce students to X-ray crystallography, electron beam methods (SEM, EDS, EBSD, CL), bulk elemental analysis (major and trace element), mass spectrometry, surface spectroscopies, micro-imaging, and other related spectroscopies. Modules are written for upper division undergraduate or graduate students to help prepare for future training on instruments, or to help users be informed readers of the literature or attendees at presentations.
- NCI-SW Access to SEM via RAIN Network;
- RTNN Kickstarter Program --In order to further our mission to serve as a hub of cutting-edge nanotechnology innovation and education, the RTNN has established a means to allow members of the nanotechnology and greater scientific communities, who would otherwise not have the financial resources, to use RTNN facilities. Several recent reports describe how L pandemic adversely affected and continues to affect academic research particularly for specific groups (e.g., women, international students, early career scientists). In response to this crisis, the RTNN is expanding its Kickstarter eligibility criteria to include researchers that have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Stanford Online edX: Nano@Standford; This resource contains materials to prepare researchers to become effective users of the nano@stanford nanofabrication and nanocharacterization tools and facilities, as well as to be useful to anyone wanting to learn about nanofabrication. The nano@stanford facilities include the Stanford Nanofabrication Facility (SNF), the Stanford Nano Shared Facilities (SNSF), the Stanford Materials Analysis Facility (MAF), and the Stanford Environmental Measurement Facility (EMF). Anyone can take this course: one does not have to be an SNF or SNSF lab member or in any way affiliated with Stanford University to take this course. Anyone can learn about nanofabrication and nanocharacterization techniques and tools and the principles behind them by reading any of the course material. The course lasts for 10 weeks, 5 hours/week, and is self-paced.
- SDNI: Remote SEM --School teachers are invited to benefit of our program consisting of Remote Access to our high-end Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). This program enables you to control the Zoom and Focus functions of our SEM from the comfort of your classroom. The only thing you need is a connection to the internet and a display screen (or LCD; you can also simply use your computer screen if nothing else is available).
- SENIC Workshops --2024 IEN/MCF Skills Development Short Courses; microfabrication, e-beam Lithography....
- Scanning Electron Microscopy --Video from NNI NanoEducators Quarterly Forum; This session will offer an overview about nanoscience and how microscopy tools such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM) can be brought directly into your classes remotely. Dr. Zac Gray of the Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge (NACK) Network will show attendees how to conduct a remote session with an SEM and image biological and manmade samples, such as pollen, phytoplankton and zooplankton, gecko's foot, optical card, and butterfly's wings. He will demonstrate how nanoscience can be used as a tool to explore many STEM subjects.
- MyScope Explore! -- A virtual SEM step-by-step simulation. Learn to use a SEM. From Microscopy Australia.
Social and Ethical Implications of Nanotechnology
- NCI Southwest, Center for Nanotechnology in Society, Societal and Ethical Implications (SEI) User Facility in the ASU Center for Nanotechnology in Society
- Science Outside the Lab "is a workshop in Washington, D.C. that is an introduction to how the federal government impacts and is impacted by science and technology. The program explores the relationships among science, innovation, policy, and societal outcomes.
- Winter School "will give junior scholars and scientists an introduction to and practical experience with methods and theory for better understanding the social dimensions of emerging technologies. The 2024 Winter School will be focused on the broad notion of impact with an aim to explore ways for participants to increase and diversify the impact of their work."
- Research Ethics Program UC San Diego
- MONT, Nanotechnology Ethics Education--Responsible conduct of research, professionalism, ethical decision-making, Nanotechnology and Ethics
- SEI@TNF--The Social and Ethical Implications (SEI) research program at the University of Texas at Austin's Texas Nanofabrication Facility (TNF) conducts research and trains researchers working at the nanoscale to better understand downstream impacts.
- SEI Resources --a comprehensive compilation of SEI resources from across the NNCI compiled by TNF.
- RTNN-SEIN--The Team Science Research program "assesses the success of Network programming in user recruitment, public engagement, and cross-discipline decision-making through rigorous social science research methods".
- Looking Back on 20 Years of Nano in Society -- Andrew Maynard (College of Global Futures, Arizona State University) & David Berube (Science and Technology Communication, North Carolina State University). Moderated by Jamey Wetmore (Arizona State University), presented July 21, 2021
- SEI Videos
- NNI: Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Research Strategy, (2011) from NNI. See also the NNI Environmental, Health and Safety-Related Documents:
- Nano.Hub Nano and the Environment, Health and Safety Group --By joining this group, you can participate in discussion forums on topics of interest to you. Additionally, as a group member you may receive notifications about new materials and events of interest to the nano and the environment, health and safety group members.
- Nanotechnology Guidance from NIOSH--NIOSH is helping employers understand best practices to meet exposure targets. NIOSH was the first U.S. government agency to establish recommended exposure limits (RELs) for engineered nanomaterials (ENMs).
- Working Safely with Nanomaterials, OSHA Fact Sheet--"Workers who use nanotechnology in research or production processes may be exposed to nanomaterials through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion. This fact sheet provides basic information to workers and employers on the most current understanding of potential hazards associated with this rapidly-developing technology and highlights measures to control exposure to nanomaterials in the workplace.
Nanotechnology Entrepreneurship Resources
- NNCO: Nanotechnology Entrepreneurship Network Podcasts, The Nanotechnology Entrepreneurship Network (NEN) brings new and seasoned entrepreneurs together with the people and resources available to support them. The NEN podcast highlights best practices, resources, and advice from entrepreneurs." 21 podcast episodes on the NanoTube Channel.
- NNCI: Nanotechnology Entrepreneurship Challenge (NTEC)--"Designed as a pre-NSF I-Corps experience, NTEC provides experiential entrepreneurship education for teams led by undergraduates, graduate students, and post-doctoral scholars. NTEC teams learn about the importance of customer discovery and how to leverage NNCI resources to develop a nanotechnology-enabled minimum viable product (MVP). The seven-week, virtual "at-your-pace" program culminates in a "pitch" event where teams share their progress with business leaders. By leveraging entrepreneurship resources available at each site, NTEC can be scaled and competed across the NNCI. "
- NNCI: Research AND Entrepreneurship Experiences for Undergrads (REEU) --"The REEU program exposes NSF REU students to nano-enabled entrepreneurship opportunities linked to research. Since the extent to which entrepreneurship might "fit" within an REU program can vary from site to site, flexible REEU options are offered and tailored to meet the needs of individual REU coordinators.
- SDNI: How to Engage With Diverse Student Populations in Entrepreneurship --Jacques Chirazi, Christine Liou, Yves Theriault, SDNI; YouTube Video.
Videos, Webinars, Multimedia
- NNCI YouTube Channel--26 Videos introducing numerous topics related to nanotechnology.
- NNCO: NBC News Learn--Nanotechnology: Super Small Science--"NBC News Learn, in partnership with the National Science Foundation, explores the hidden world of nanotechnology, where objects are measured in the billionths of meters." Six high quality videos are posted.
- NACK Multimedia: A collection of interactive multimedia in nanotechnology. These resources are suitable for a variety of levels and subject areas.
- MINIC Webinars and Workshops
- MONT Webinars
- Dr. Robin Gerlach, Applications of Raman Confocal Spectromicroscopy in Biogeochemistry, Geology, Materials Science and Engineering, February 22, 2019
- Dr. Recep Avci, Applications of Integrated NanoAuger Probe in Materials Science, January 18, 2018
- Dr. David Dickensheets, From Microfluidics to Nano-optics: Building Devices in the Montana Microfabrication Facility, March 23, 2017
- Dr. Phil Stewart and Betsy Pitts, Imaging Microorganisms on Surfaces, December 7, 2016
- Drs. Recep Avci and David Mogk, Material Characterization Using Electron Microscopy and Spectroscopy: Examples Using SEM, XPS and Auger, May 17, 2016
- K-14 Nano Resources, Nano@Stanford; Videos on
- Meet A Scientist - Kitchen Discoveries Lead to Nanoscale Tool, Dr. Ahanjit Bhattacharya shares slides which walk through the development of the Langmuir Blodgett Trough by a female scientist in her kitchen; in addition he highlights connections to art and culture!
- Meet A Scientist - Following in Her Foote Steps, Rachel Porter, a Biophysics PhD candidate, talks about her passion for the environment; shares an experimental procedure about greenhouse gases by the Grandmother of Climate Science, Eunice Newton Foote, for students of all levels.
- How to Lead an Outstanding Outreach event with a SEM Demonstration, Learn best practices from Abby Carbone, a Materials Science and Engineering PhD student, and an experienced outreach volunteer on Scanning Electron Microscopes, SEM. Demo for K-6; Demo for 6-12
- Nano@Stanford YouTube Channel; 97 videos
- NCI-SW: Webinars !MIRA! Archive 2023 -- links to You Tube recordings. The Center for Materials Interfaces in Research & Applications (!MIRA!) at Northern Arizona University (NAU) is a disruptive force in STEM, removing barriers between the worlds of STEM and cultural identities that often serve to limit the participation of historically marginalized communities. !MIRA!, which translates to Look! in Spanish, is an explicit recognition of the multicultural demographics of our state, with a message that deliberately welcomes historically marginalized populations to enter education and career paths in Materials Science and STEM.
- SENIC Seminars and Nano@Tech Webinar Series YouTube Channel --Nano@Tech is an organization comprised of professors, graduate students, and undergraduate students from Georgia Tech and nearby academic institutions, as well as professionals from the corresponding scientific community that are interested in nanotechnology.
- NNI: Stories from the NNI: Listen to Stories from the NNI podcast, in which experts share their perspectives on advances that have been made and future prospects of nanotechnology.
- NNI: Nano Matters: This podcast series features voices from the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). Researchers and innovators discuss their work at the nanoscale, the challenges they've faced, and how they've connected with the NNI.
- NNI: Nano Entrepreneurship Network Network Podcasts. The NEN podcasts highlight best practices, resources, and advice from entrepreneurs." The NEN Podcasts were discontinued in 2022.
- NNI: NanoTube -- the NNI YouTube Channel; This is the YouTube channel for the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), which coordinates the nanotechnology research and development activities of more thann 30 federal departments and agencies. 424 Videos are posted.
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