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Surface Area
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In this demonstration, learners discover that nanoparticles behave differently, in part because they have a high surface area to volume ratio.
Paper Cover Up
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In this activity on page 11 of the PDF, learners use candle wax to make "invisible" designs that are revealed with watercolor paints.
Trading Places: Redox Reactions
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Visitors add drops of copper sulfate solution onto a steel nail. They observe the nail change color from silver to brown as the copper plates onto the nail.
Exploring Products: Nano Sand
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In this activity, learners explore how water behaves differently when it comes in contact with "nano sand" and regular sand.
Exploring Materials: Liquid Crystals
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In this activity, learners discover that the way a material behaves on the macroscale is affected by its structure on the nanoscale.
Currently Working: Testing Conductivity
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Visitors test solutions of water, sugar, salt, and hydrochloric acid and the solids salt and sugar. They clip leads from the hand generator to wires immersed in each substance.
Salt 'n Lighter
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In this activity, learners discover that as the salinity of water increases, the density increases as well. Learners prove this by attempting to float fresh eggs in saltwater and freshwater.
Chromatography
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In this activity, explore chromatography and the various colors that make up the ink in markers. Use this activity to investigate cohesion and adhesion.
Forwards and Backwards: pH and Indicators
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Visitors prepare six solutions combining vinegar and ammonia that range incrementally from acid (all vinegar) to base (all ammonia).
Liquid Body Armor
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In this activity, learners explore how nanotechnology is being used to create new types of protective fabrics.
Gravity Fail
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In this activity, learners try pouring water out of a regular cup and a miniature cup. It’s harder than it sounds! Learners discover that different forces dominate at different size scales.
Nano Ice Cream
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In this activity/demo, learners discover how liquid nitrogen cools a creamy mixture at such a rapid rate that it precipitates super fine grained (nano) ice cream.
Gummy Shapes
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In this activity, learners use chemistry to “self-assemble” gummy shapes. Learners discover that self-assembly is a process by which molecules and cells form themselves into functional structures.
Jem's Pykrete Challenge
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In this activity, learners make pykrete by freezing a mixture of water and a material like cotton wool, grass, hair, shredded paper, wood chips, or sawdust.
Bounce vs. Thud Balls
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Learners compare the properties of two balls that appear identical. One ball bounces, while the other ball "thuds." The “bounce” ball is made of the polymer polybutadiene (-C4H4-).
First Impressions
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Learners experiment with a commercial photo-sensitive paper (Sunprint® or NaturePrint® paper). They place opaque and clear objects on the paper and expose it to bright light, observing the results.
Diaper Dissection
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This is written as a display, but can easily be adapted to a hands-on activity. Learners discover how all the parts of a diaper work together to keep babies dry and comfortable.
ZOOM Glue
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In this activity, learners mix milk, vinegar, baking soda, and water to create sticky glue. Use this activity to explain how engineers develop and evaluate new materials and products.
Exploring Materials: Hydrogel
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In this activity, learners discover how a super-absorbing material can be used to move a straw.
Making a Battery from a Potato
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In this electrochemistry activity, young learners and adult helpers create a battery from a potato to run a clock.