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In this activity, learners discover why some nanoscale science and technology is done in the controlled environment of a clean room, what clean rooms are like, and how scientists help keep the clean r

In this activity, learners create a traditional Mexican noisemaker (a matraca) using cardboard, craft sticks, and a wooden dowel.

In this activity, learners sniff out scents hidden in balloons! After investigating, learners discover we sometimes can use another sense (smell) to detect things too small to see.

In this activity, learners use an old CD to construct a spectroscope, a device that separates light into its component colors.

This is a quick activity (on page 2 of the PDF under Butterfly Wings Activity) that illustrates how nanoscale structures, so small they're practically invisible, can produce visible/colorful effects.

In this activity, learners observe what happens when they give a light source like a neon glow lamp a "Bronx Cheer." The lights appear to wiggle back and forth and flicker when learners blow air throu

This activity (on page 2) explores how sensing is part of robotics. Learners try tying their shoes with different constraints.

In this activity, learners discuss and investigate how cameras, telescopes, and their own eyes use light in similar ways.

In this optics activity, learners discover basic lens-making techniques by using a tennis ball to make a lens out of ice.

In this activity (posted on March 12, 2011), learners follow the steps to construct a spectroscope, a tool used to analyze light and color.

In this activity, learners use clear nail polish to create a beautiful iridescent pattern on black paper. Learners discover that a thin film creates iridescent, rainbow colors.

In this quick activity about size and scale (on page 2 of the PDF under What's Nano?

In this activity (posted on March 27, 2011), learners follow the steps to construct a mini zoetrope, a device that produces an illusion of action from a rapid succession of static pictures.

Learners use a mortar and pestle to extract clove oil from cloves using denatured alcohol. They put this oil on paper, which they can take home.

This activity investigates how bark beetles can threaten forests by having learners estimate the number of infected trees from a photo.

In this activity, learners find out why some mineral sunblock rubs in clear. Learners compare nano and non-nano sunblocks and discover how particle size affects visibility.

Make a copy of the first stethoscope with only a cardboard tube! René Laennec invented the first stethoscope in 1819 using an actual paper tube!

In this activity on page 9 of the PDF, learners test how flavoring extracts move through the walls of a balloon.

In this activity, learners explore liquid crystals, light and temperature. Using a postcard made of temperature-sensitive liquid crystal material, learners monitor temperature changes.

This activity requires a Pico Cricket (tiny computer). Learners work on designing and building a sound sensor out of household materials, like plastic wrap and cardboard.