Abstract
Standing at a wooden podium in a lecture hall at CalTech with a blackboard at his back, Richard Feynman changed the way we see the world. It has been nearly 60 years since he presented his lecture, “There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom” to the American Physical Society. Through a series of “what ifs” and “imagine thats” and even throwing in a wager or two, Feynman sparked the imagination of the scientific community with the prospect of manipulating individual atoms and molecules (Feynman 1960). Could it actually be possible to manipulate matter at the nanoscale, creating functional structures that would revolutionize medicine, computer science, manufacturing, and more? In his vision for what the future might hold, he highlighted the need to engage our youth, suggesting a high school competition that would stimulate interest in the nascent field of nanotechnology.
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Appendix
Nanotechnology Education Resources |
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Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network : The NISE Network is a national community of researchers and informal science educators dedicated to fostering public awareness, engagement, and understanding of nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. |
National Center for Learning and Teaching : NCLT is dedicated to developing and offering nanotechnology-specific instructional modules, professional development, and a network of educator communities related to learning and teaching about the nanoscale. |
National Science Digital Library : NSDL is an extensive collection of online resources for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Using the search feature provides myriad links related to nanoscience and nanotechnology. |
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network : NNIN provides a wide variety of educational outreach that spans the spectrum of K-12 education. Education and outreach components of the NNIN include an online science magazine for upper elementary and middle school students, Nanooze. |
National Nanotechnology Initiative : NNI provides resources for students and teachers including information about nanotechnology programs from community colleges to PhDs; a description of the growing Nano and Emerging Technologies Student Network; and links to multimedia contests, videos, and animations. Additionally, a searchable database of nanotechnology education resources can be found at nanoHUB.org. |
Materials World Modules : An NSF-funded program produced a series of interdisciplinary modules based on topics in material science, including composites, ceramics, concrete, biosensors, biodegradable materials, smart sensors, polymers, food packaging, and sports materials. Modules are designed for middle and high school STEM classes. |
Exploring the Nanoworld : The University of Wisconsin-Madison materials Research Science and Engineering Center (UW MRSEC) uses examples of nanotechnology and advanced materials to explore fundamental science and engineering concepts at the college level and to share the “wow” and potential of these fields with public audiences. The website includes movies, kits, references, and teaching modules for K-12 teachers. |
Center for Nanotechnology Education and Utilization : CNEU at Penn State’s College of Engineering offers resources such as webcasts, video modules, workshops for educators, and resources related to careers in nanotechnology from both the educator’s and industry’s point of view. |
NanoWerk : Explore one of the world’s most comprehensive lists of nanoscience and nanotechnology resources. This site includes the latest news makers in nanotechnology. |
Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge (NACK) Network: Nano4Me.org provides webinar and workshop information for educators, educational resources for students, and guides for developing integrated nanotechnology curricula. |
Understanding Nano : This website is dedicated to providing clear and concise explanations of nanotechnology applications along with information on companies working in each area. |
Nanozone : A fun website for students and the general public interested in learning about nanotechnology. |
NanoHUB : An online community of researchers and educators hosting a rapidly growing collection of simulation programs for nanoscale phenomena that run in the cloud and are accessible through a web browser. Also offers workshops, virtual tools, and databases. |
National Science Foundation : The Nanoscience Classroom Resources page provides a diverse collection of lessons and web resources for classroom teachers, their students, and students' families. |
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Schmidt, D.L. (2020). Nanotechnology and Education. In: Norris, P., Friedersdorf, L. (eds) Women in Nanotechnology. Women in Engineering and Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-19951-7_3
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