Explaining the concept of nanotechnology can be a complex and potentially boring lesson for a group of elementary-aged kids. After all, how do you describe technology at an atomic and molecular level, where the unit of measure is 100,000 times smaller than a strand of hair?
The answer … you show them.
The CNSE Children’s Museum of Science and Technology will open its doors for free on Nano Family Fun Day Saturday, Nov. 23, to give kids the opportunity to explore hands-on activities focused on the world of nanotechnology.
“You need to hit them young,” said Steve Janack, College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering Vice President for Marketing and Communications. “Young people are interested because so much of what they use in their daily life is driven by nanotechnology. It’s really at the center of their world.”
Janack said sparking curiosity about nanotechnology at this age is a great opportunity.
The museum event is part of Nanovember, a monthlong celebration showcasing nanotechnology in New York state.
“We have renamed November, Nanovember,” Janack said. “Basically it’s a month of events and activities designed to showcase how important nanotechnology has become in society and the number of industries it’s affecting.”
Janack said children are key to the industry, adding that the opportunities available to children in the future in terms of both education and careers in nanotechnology are huge.
“A number of activities are designed to introduce children to nanotechnology and for younger people to understand how nanotechnology is shaping our world,” he said.
The family fun day will include activities such as creating a polymer chain to take home and learning about LED lighting with the help of ice cream.
“There will be some futuristic stuff like invisibility cloaks and an elevator that might take you to outer space,” said Sarah Fisk, CMOST director of education. “They will investigate some cool new science that can be created through the use of nanotechnology.”
Kids will also get a demonstration of clean room gowning with a chance to try on “bunny suits.”
Deborah Onslow, CEO at CMOST, said it’s important to teach the kids at a scaled-down level.
“We explain it in a way that a child can understand,” she said.
Fisk admitted that at the elementary level, it can be a little bit of a stretch for the younger ones.
“However our bigger goal is to expose kids to science and get them curious,” Fisk said. “If we can engage them and encourage them to explore the world around them, we can break down those barriers.”
Fisk said parents can also benefit from the experience.
“There is a hook to get the kids in, but there is also an education factor that happens with the adults,” she said. “Sitting where we are in the tech valley, educating folks on the nanoscience happening in our backyard is really critical.”
But, the hands-on experience doesn’t end after Nov. 23. The museum and the nanocollege have made sure the opportunity for young minds to interact with nanotechnology goes on all year.
In October 2012 the children’s museum partnered with the nanocollege and launched a permanent display with the goal of introducing kids to nanoscience. The interactive exhibit is available at the museum and provides a firsthand experience for families. Visitors are able to build giant carbon nanotubes and use spy skills to find examples of nano products and phenomena in interactive challenges, build a stable nano future on a tippy table and spin disks to compare the effects of static electricity and gravity.
The world of nanotechnology can also be found in local libraries at various times throughout the year when CNSE CMOST brings Nano Days on the road. Presentations, experiments and demonstrations are conducted that explore different topics and concepts in nanotechnology. In past presentations, kids had the opportunity to play with model fuel-cell cars and experiment with working photovoltaic panels, which power small items such as a calculator, small fan or radio.
Summer campers can also be immersed in the world of nanotechnology and experiment with nano concepts, meet professionals from the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, and have the opportunity to visit CNSE and explore everything from the gowning up process to the work that happens in the clean rooms.
“Each year we bring thousands of elementary, middle school and high school students through CNSE,” Janack said. “One of the big activities we do four times a year is what we call Nano Career Day, where we bring in students from 10 different schools, and they go through an assembly line, tour the clean rooms and do activities.”
Janack said open houses and regular tours for kids to have a chance to see people in bunny suits and be involved in nanotech activities go on all year.
“We find the younger that you can demonstrate how exciting science and technology is, the more apt that children are going to want to pursue that as a future education path or career path,” Janack said. “Nanotechnology is an increasing part of their world. Young people are using smartphones, iPods and laptops … all of that is driven by nanotechnology.”
Janack said it’s important to help young people to understand that nanotechnology is what is driving this part of their world.
“It’s a chance to turn on the lightbulb and see how they can be part of that world,” he said, adding that the opportunities are only increasing on a daily basis, and exposing kids at a young age is the first step in building tomorrow’s workforce.
“More companies, more jobs … we need to prepare young people to be part of the nanotech economy,” Janack said. “It’s a win-win; we prepare them for good jobs and careers, and we get to keep them here in New York state.”
Nano Family Fun Day will take place on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CNSE Children’s Museum of Science and Technology, 250 Jordan Blvd., Troy. For more information, visit www.cmost.org or call 235-2121.
