Using nanoscience as a focus for science outreach activities

CHED 87

Barbara A. Reisner, reisneba@jmu.edu1, Brian H. Augustine, augustbh@jmu.edu1, Kevin L. Caran, carankl@jmu.edu1, and Scott A. Paulson2. (1) Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, James Madison University, MSC 4501, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, (2) Department of Physics and Astronomy, James Madison University, MSC 4502, Harrisonburg, VA 22807
As part of the NSF Nanoscience Undergraduate Education (NUE) site at James Madison University we have used nanoscience as a theme for recent outreach activities. We will describe how nanoscience activities have been used in a number of settings both for secondary school audiences across the state and at the university. We have developed a photolithography demonstration and micelle synthesis laboratory for students visiting the university. Activities that have been developed for use off-site include a nanoscience module developed for high school chemistry and a size and scaling activity using an AFM in conjunction with a NanoManipulator. Because we can reach only a limited number of students in the courses that we teach, we have begun to develop outreach activities for the broader campus community. Initial work on our “NanoNuggets” video display will be presented. Additional educational activities done in conjunction with the Virginia General Assembly's “NanoDay” will be discussed.
 

General Posters
7:30 PM-9:30 PM, Sunday, April 6, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster

Sci-Mix
8:00 PM-10:00 PM, Monday, April 7, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Sci-Mix

Division of Chemical Education

The 235th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, April 6-10, 2008