Tag Archives: US National Chemistry Week

October 2014 issue of the Nano Bite (from the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network) features an online game (Doctor Know) and more

Let’s start with Doctor Know, which is featured in the Oct. 2014 issue of NISENet’s Nano Bite newsletter,

Doctor Know Online Game and App for iOS and Android – Step into the future of medicine as a doctor in the know! “Doctor Know,” developed by the Arizona Science Center, is intended to help teachers, students, and the public understand how biomedical innovations are transforming medicine. This online game and app complements lab experiences, theatrical demonstrations, outreach programs, biomedical lecture series, and online content. Download game through iTunes and Google Play now

Here’s a bit more information from NISENet’s Doctor Know webpage,

Play doctor in the 21st century! Practice modern medicine by examining all dimensions of the body, from organs to molecules, as an interconnected system. Use innovative tests and treatments to heal your patients, not hurt them. With “Doctor Know,” the Arizona Science Center seeks to help teachers, students, and the general public understand how how biomedical innovations are transforming medicine.

Players assume the role of a physician who must diagnose and treat patients using a toolkit of tests and treatments. At the start of the game, that toolkit contains familiar, established techniques. Over the course of the game, players can adopt innovative new biomedical tools to diagnose their patients more accurately and treat their ailments more effectively.

From supercomputers to bioinformatics to nanotechnologies, “Doctor Know” features dozens of cutting-edge and futuristic tools that will become available in the coming decades. Furthermore, by viewing their patients’ bodies as an interconnected system, players can better target their tests and treatments and minimize side effects and suffering. Step into the future of medicine as a doctor in the know!

This game complements gallery laboratory experiences, theatrical demonstrations, outreach programs, biomedical lecture series, and online content available from Arizona Science Center at Pathways to Medical Discovery for Educators and Body Depot.

For anyone who’s interested in the game’s goals and objectives, there’s this,

→ Arizona Science Center Introduces Scale and Nano-Medicine in Mobile Game
By Frank Kusiak, The Lawrence Hall of Science

“The game, ‘Doctor Know,’ introduces the general public, students, and teachers to current biomedical research encouraged by NIH’s [US National Institutes of Health] Roadmap. In addition to basic medical research, it aims to highlight the processes and tools involved in current biomedical research, linking directly to Arizona’s Science Standards. The project was funded by a National Institute of Health SEPA grant” (Arizona Science Center’s “Aims of the Project and Results”).

Doctor Know, the Arizona Science Center’s newest mobile game, opens with a vivid, yet darkly humorous, animation about the history of medical diagnosis and treatment. We watch the painful evolution of a “healers” practice from ancient Greece to Medieval times to modern medicine. It concludes by introducing your mission and the game’s scope of learning: you are a doctor and you will diagnose and treat many patients based on available tools and technology. The player learns about the human body’s interconnectedness in regards to health at multiple scales. From macro (organs and tissue), micro (cells), and nano (molecular), there are multiple levels at which our health can fail and be treated……

I imagine the titular resemblance between Doctor Know and Doctor Who is intentional.

Mentioned previously in my Sept. 5, 2014 posting about the NISENet newsletter, the American Chemical Society’s National Chemistry Week is coming soon,

2014 National Chemistry Week – Themed the “Sweet Side of Chemistry – Candy,” this year’s American Chemistry Society (ACS) event will take place October 19 – 25, and is a great opportunity for Network partners to collaborate with local ACS chapters, businesses, schools, and scientists to organize events in your community to promote the value of chemistry in everyday life.

You can go directly to the American Chemical Society’s 2014 National Chemistry Week webpage for more information.

On another front, there has been some magazine action for NISENet,

→ DIY Nano App Feature in September Issue of FamilyFun Magazine!
The NISE Network’s DIY Nano app is featured in the September 2014 FamilyFun magazine! The DIY Nano app (for iPhones and iPads) allows families to experience and learn about nano topics at home or on the go!

While this seems a bit early, here’s information about getting your 2015 NanoDays kits,

→ Application for 2015 NanoDays Kit Now Available (Due December 1st)
Join the NISE Network March 28th through April 5th, 2015 by hosting NanoDays events in your community and raising public awareness on nano topics. Partners are invited to submit an application for a 2015 physical NanoDays Kit, which will include all the materials and resources necessary to start planning your community events. Applications are due December 1st [NanoDays 2015 Kit application].

Here’s a link for anyone who would like to read the October 2014 issue of the Nano Bite in its entirety.

September 2014 issue of the Nano Bite (from the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network) talks 2015 mini-grants, US National Chemistry Week, and ebola/silver nano

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The NISENet (Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network) Mini-Grants are for US-based institutions only,

→ There’s Still Time to Submit Your Application for a 2015 NISE Network Mini-Grant
Since 2011, NISE Network partners have completed over 170 mini-grant projects! Mini-grants are awards of up to $3000 that support initiatives by partners to engage their local audiences in nano topics. Not quite sure what project your institution could or should embark upon? The NISE Net has a comprehensive list of past projects that can inspire you as you brainstorm project ideas. Search past projects and learn more about mini-grant resources, eligibility, and the application process.

Applications for the 2015 Mini-Grant Program are due October 1, 2014 [apply now]. If you have program questions or would like to discuss project ideas, please contact your Regional Hub Leader.

NISENet (Nanoscale Informal Science Network) will be celebrating its 10th anniversary,

→ 2014 ASTC Annual Conference
If you or your colleagues are making your final arrangements for your trip to Raleigh, NC [North Carolina] next month for the ASTC [Association of Science and Technology Centers] Conference, keep in mind the NISE Net events, workshops, and sessions [see full list of conference activities]. We particularly hope you’ll join us at the Museum of Life and Science for the NISE Network reception special event from 4-7pm on Friday (10/17) night to celebrate 10 years of the NISE Net! The reception is free to attend and transportation will be provided. RSVP here.

There are opportunities to link up ‘nano’ activities with the US National Chemistry Week coming in Oct. 2014,

→ National Chemistry Week
Looking for ideas on how to incorporate your NanoDays activities into more year-round programming? National Chemistry Week takes place October 19-25, themed “The Sweet Side of Chemistry – Candy,” and is a great opportunity for NISE Network partners to collaborate with American Chemical Society members and organize a National Chemistry Week event. Visit http://nisenet.org/events/other/national-chemistry-week-2014 for more information and join the October Online Brown-Bag Conversation How to Host a National Chemistry Week Event.

…

How to Host a National Chemistry Week Event
Wednesday, October 1, 2014: 3pm – 4pm ET
During this online brown-bag conversation, presenters will discuss ways in which partners can connect with American Chemistry Society members in your community and will share NISE Net activities that have a candy connection (sweet!) and explain the chemistry behind these activities. [Sign up now]

For the final excerpt from the newsletter, here’s some information about the international discussion regarding the use of nano silver as a curative in Nigeria for the ebola outbreak, which is affecting several West African countries,

→ Is Using Nano Silver to Treat Ebola Misguided?
With the continued Ebola outbreaks in Africa, nanosilver is once again back under the spotlight as a possible treatment for infectious diseases. Ever heard the expression that someone was “born with a silver spoon in their mouth?” That spoon isn’t silver to be fancy! Silver has been used for cups, bowls, and utensils for thousands of years because its microbial properties help to prevent food and drink-borne infection.

Doctors and researchers struggling to contain the outbreak and treat the virus are looking for new treatments. The World Health Organization recently sanctioned the use of unlicensed Ebola drugs in West Africa on medical and ethical grounds. One researcher recently submitted an open letter to the president of Nigeria supporting the use of colloidal nano silver (nano silver suspended in water) to deal effectively with the Ebola virus. There is research that supports the effectiveness of silver nanoparticles in rendering Ebola-like viruses ineffective but research was conducted using cell cultures, which still leaves the questions: would these same results occur in an infected patient, what is the appropriate dose someone would need to take, what is the best delivery method of the nanosilver particles, and would it cause unforeseen medical complications?

Read the University of Michigan Risk Science Center’s full article that provides a more in-depth look at this issue. There may be future treatments for infectious diseases that use nanosilver and other engineered materials, the medical field is already using gold nanoparticles to fight cancer, but what exactly that role will be remains unclear.

Related NISE Network activities and resources:

Nanomedicine in Healthcare – this NISE Net forum explores nanotechnology-enabled medical technologies and their potential to transform health care, while considering the societal, ethical, environmental and economic impacts of this technology.

Silver and Bandages – this high school curriculum K-12 lesson plan is a linked product designed so that students develop their own experiment to test the antimicrobial properties of nanosilver particles.

Nanosilver: Breakthrough or Biohazard? – this linked product is a public presentation that introduces audiences to silver nanoparticles in consumer products.

The Effects of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles on Brine Shrimp: A Toxicology Study (High School Curriculum Lesson) – this lab is a linked product designed to help students understand the interdisciplinary fields of science, and the practical applications of chemistry.

The article is by Dr. Andrew Maynard, the director of the University of Michigan’s Risk Science Center and a longtime figure in the field of nanotechnology. In his Aug. 15, 2014 article, Andrew provides an overview of nanosilver as a biocide and as a curative that is well worth reading in its entirety. For those who are unfamiliar with the situation regarding the ebola outbreak or might like to refresh their memories, I have an Aug. 15, 2014 posting which covers the situation briefly including the plan to use nanosilver in Nigeria (since shelved) along with some current research into ebola vaccines.

Here’s a link for anyone who would like to read the Sept. 2014 issue of the Nano Bite in its entirety.

Nanoscale informal science education for Oct. 2012

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They have a project which combines haptics and nanotechnology at the University of Florida’s Digital Worlds Institute, HAP/NAN. According to Kathryn Varn’s Oct. 12, 2012 article for the Independent Florida Alligator,

Feeling the moon’s gravitational pull or bonds between water molecules is now within grasp — literally.

By combining haptics and nanotechnology, the Digital Worlds Institute in collaboration with Curtis Taylor, a UF professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and a nanotechnology expert, has made it possible for people to feel these reactions.

…

Patrick Terry, a 20-year-old materials science and engineering junior, said he thinks the technology has potential to help students make sense of ideas he learned from textbooks.

“Trying to find a new way to get people to understand things is always great,” Terry said. “I can imagine that it definitely has potential to be a helpful medium to learn those concepts.”

Oliverio [James Oliverio, director of the Digital Worlds Institute] said the project will initially be implemented in local schools, but because the National Science Foundation funded the prototype development, HAPNAN should eventually make a national impact.

The project was debuted at a Harn Museum ‘Art in Engineering’ event on Oct. 11, 2012. There’s more about HAP/NAN on its Digital Worlds Institute project page,

HapNan is an innovative and exciting educational tool geared toward middle school students. It is a collaborative effort between the University of Florida (UF) Digital Worlds Institute and UF professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Nanotechnology expert, Dr. Curtis Taylor. HapNan involves the merging of nanotechnology with haptics. The HapNan project incorporates the use of a haptic mouse and virtual reality computer program to create an interactive learning environment that has the potential to revolutionize the way that science is being taught within a classroom setting. Students who are able to work with the HapNan technology will be able to explore many abstract scientific concepts in a whole new way, through sight and touch. The Haptic mouse will allow students to actually feel surface textures of the objects they are seeing on the computer screen. Additionally, the new low-cost haptic mouse allows users to actually feel invisible forces (such as gravity, attraction, repulsion and resistance) thus making these concepts tangible.

Further north in the US, the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology in New York State has launched a Nano exhibit. From the Oct. 12, 2012 news item on Nanowerk,

Further reinforcing Governor Andrew Cuomo’s commitment to providing educational and career opportunities to young people in support of New York’s globally recognized nanotechnology industry, the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST) and the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany today announced a partnership to bring the national Nano exhibit to the Capital Region, giving children a unique opportunity to learn science, technology, engineering and math-related (STEM) principles through a fun and interactive experience.

…

“CMOST is thrilled to feature the nationally recognized Nano exhibit as a centerpiece of our Grand Re-Opening, and grateful to the world-class College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering for their partnership in making this exhibit a reality on behalf of children who will surely benefit by being introduced to nanotechnology in an interactive, enjoyable way,” said Paul Fahey, CMOST Board Chairperson. “We have seen firsthand the power of nanotechnology education and research, led by the NanoCollege, to move our economy forward and provide opportunities across the state. Now, we are pleased to introduce children to the science that is playing a critical role in their lives.”

According to the Oct. 11, 2012 news release (which originated the news item) from the College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering (CNSE) at the University of Albany,

The fully interactive Nano exhibit at CMOST, which was created by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Network) with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) … [emphasis mine]

The mention of NISENet brings me to their Oct. 2012 issue of The Nano Bite and these bits excerpted from it,

2013 Mini-Grants – applications due November 4: The NISE Network is making available a limited number of small, one-time awards to support initiatives by NISE Net partners to engage their local audiences in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology topics. Requests can be made for an award up to $3,000 dollars to fund a small project or be put towards a larger endeavor. Applications are due November 4, 2012. For more on how to apply, sample projects, and eligibility requirements, click here. A list of previously funded mini-grant projects is also available at: www.nisenet.org/community/mini-grants.

NanoDays 2013 – applications due December 1: NanoDays will be held March 30-April 7, 2013. Applications for physical kits are now available online. To learn more about how to apply and eligibility, please visit: http://www.nisenet.org/blog/nanodays/nanodays_2013_physical_kit_applications_-_due_december_1_2012.

NISE Net at ASTC 2012, Columbus, Ohio October 13-16: For those of you or your colleagues attending the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) annual conference, the NISE Network will have many activities and professional development opportunities. For details click here. NISE Net events include:

Happy Hour – we invite NISE Network partners to gather together informally: Friday, Ocober 12, 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Bartley’s Brewing Company, 467 North High Street.

Partner Breakfast – the NISE Net will be hosting a breakfast for NISE Network partners to hear about our plans for the coming year, learn about new educational products and opportunities to get involved, and talk with other NISE Net partners from across the country: Monday, Octover 15, 7:30 – 8:45 am, Hyatt Regency Columbus, Franklin D Room.

National Chemistry Week – October 21-27: The theme this year is “Nanotechnology: The Smallest BIG Idea in Science.” This year the NISE Network has teamed up with the American Chemical Society (ACS) to provide online outreach resources for the event. We encourage you to visit http://www.nisenet.org/national-chemistry-week to find out how you can get involved and get links to chemistry activities from past NanoDays kits and the online catalog. You can also find a link to ACS’s website listing events and chemistry collaborators nationwide including some that may be located near you.

There’s also the monthly nano haiku,

Sharing more leads to
Tighter bonds – even in the
World of molecules

The above haiku was drawn from the first sentence of the linked article First Images of Chemical Bond Differences Captured by Lisa Grossman of New Scientist.

For anyone who wants to read the full October 2012 Nano Bite, you can find it here.

September 2012 nano scoop on informal science education activities

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The Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net) has announced its ‘Mimi-Grants Program’ which awards amounts of up to $3000 to engage audiences in nanoscale science, technology, and engineering topics. You can find out more about this year’s mini-grant program here. (One note, only institutions that are located in the US are eligible and there are other eligibility constraints described in the Program Overview.)

As inspiration here’s a sample of the projects that have been funded in years past (Note: I have edited these entries),

Princeton University
Kinesthetic motions activity

Developing an activity relating to the structure of the atom using kinesthetic motions and nanoscale science content to help students “act out the components of the atom.”

Newark Museum
Camp for Girl Scouts

Working with Girl Scouts Hearts of New Jersey to create the “Observation: From Nano to Macro” camp to introduce Girl Scouts in Newark and Jersey City, NJ to careers in STEM. [science, technology, engineering, mathematics]

Da Vinci Science Center
Theater shows

Adapting two NISE Net programs into interactive theatrical presentations to be used on their floor to engage audiences in dialogue about nanoscale science and engineering concepts, as well as discuss societal and environmental implications.

Regional Science & Discovery Center (Corning, New York State)
Adding Nano to programs

Introducing nanotechnology to the public through expansion to three programs: a Boy Scout overnight at Arnot Mall, a Spring break event at Corning Youth Center, and a summer camp for at-risk students at the Science and Discovery Center.

Coming up in the near future is this year’s US National Chemistry Week (NCW), being held from Oct. 21 – 27, 2012. It features a partnership between NISE Net and the American Chemical Society resulting in the theme, Nanotechnology: The Smallest BIG Idea in Science. Here are more details from the National Chemistry Week 2012 page on the NISE Net website,

The American Chemical Society (ACS) has partnered with the NISE Network to provide online outreach resources for National Chemistry Week 2012 focused on Nanotechnology. NISE Network and ACS educational staff have identified hands-on activities from previous NanoDays kits that can be repurposed for outreach events during National Chemistry Week. Below you will find a description of all relevant activities and a link to the official ACS National Chemistry Week publication featuring NISE net content.

You can also check out the NCW page on the American Chemical Society website,

Long range planners can get ready for Nano Days 2013 (March 30 – April 7) starting Oct. 1, 2012 when applications for physical kits will be made available here.

Finally,

Nano Haiku

Nanobots on Mars!
Dust motes collecting info.
Maybe Someday.

Vrylena Olney of the Museum of Science, Boston shared the above haiku inspired by the article Next Generation of Mars Rovers Could be Smaller than Grains of Sand.

NISE Net’s Sept. 2012 issue (the source for these scoops and others not noted in this posting) of its NanoBite Newsletter is available here.

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Commentary about nanotech, science policy and communication, society, and the arts

Tag Archives: US National Chemistry Week

October 2014 issue of the Nano Bite (from the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network) features an online game (Doctor Know) and more

September 2014 issue of the Nano Bite (from the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network) talks 2015 mini-grants, US National Chemistry Week, and ebola/silver nano

Nanoscale informal science education for Oct. 2012

September 2012 nano scoop on informal science education activities