The Nano mini-exhibition, an interactive exhibition that engages family audiences in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. Hands-on exhibits present the basics of nanoscience and engineering, introduce some real world applications, and explore the societal and ethical implications of this new technology. The Nano mini-exhibition is intended for long-term display in museums across the United States, where it will engage tens of millions of people. Ninety-three copies of Nano have been fabricated; all copies are identical and distributed to museum partners free of charge. The exhibition complements NanoDays events and other NISE Network educational experiences.
The Nano exhibition was developed as part of the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net); this was a project funded by the National Science Foundation (2005-2017) to create a national community of researchers and informal science educators dedicated to fostering public awareness, engagement, and understanding of nanoscale science, engineering, and technology.
In 2016 the NISE Network transitioned to a new, ongoing identity as the National Informal STEM Education Network. While we'll still be known as the NISE Net, network partners will now engage audiences across the United States in a range of STEM topics. The Network is led and managed by the Science Museum of Minnesota in collaboration with the Museum of Science and Arizona State University.
Educational programs, including development and fabrication of the yearly NanoDays kit
The nisenet.org website for professionals
The whatisnano.org website for public audiences
Formative and summative evaluation
Research on visitor learning
The NISE Net Midwest regional hub
More information about Nano for museums
NISE Net is funded by the National Science Foundation. Learn More
