Museum & Online Programs
Nanoscale Informal
Science Education
“The nanotechnology field is rapidly evolving with fundamental advances in physical and life sciences being seen in all areas of our society from medicine to manufacturing, and outcomes with technological, economic, social, environmental and ethical implications that may change our world.” - Mihail Roco, key architect of the National Nanotechnology Initiative and National Science Foundation senior advisor for nanotechnology
Advances in nanoscale science and engineering are leading to exciting breakthroughs in medicine, computing, sensing, energy, and materials technologies, and are beginning to transform science and engineering education. From synthetic bone and smart drug delivery capsules to nanoparticles that capture pollutants, nanoscale science and engineering explore revolutionary approaches to creating new materials, systems, and devices by manipulating matter at the nanoscale (a nanometer is 1/80,000th the width of a human hair).
In 2005, the National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded the Museum of Science and its partners a $20 million grant to lead an effort to infuse nanoscale informal science education throughout museums and other kinds of informal learning organizations across the United States. This was the largest award NSF has ever given to the science museum community.
The result is the national Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE® Network) of multiple science museums and research institutions. The NISE Network will collaboratively develop and distribute innovative approaches to engaging Americans in nanoscale science and engineering education, research, and technology.