Tag Archives: Education

RTNN acquires portable Scanning Electron Microscope

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Through collaboration with the Parsons Research Group at NC State, the RTNN now has available a PhenomWorld Desktop SEM. The Phenom SEM allows for very fast microscopic imaging of samples in a compact, portable package – about the size of a desktop computer. The RTNN will use the Desktop SEM in outreach programs, such as bringing instruments to classrooms for demonstrations of instruments used in nanoscience. If you are interested in having the RTNN bring the desktop SEM to your event or school, please contact Phillip Strader (phillip_strader@ncsu.edu) or Maude Cuchiara (maude_cuchiara@ncsu.edu)

RTNN to host a workshop for community college educators

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On May 10-11, 2016 RTNN will host community college educators at NC State for a free nanotechnology workshop. The two-day event is open to educators from all backgrounds with a focus on the incorporation of nanotechnology and nanoscience into basic science curricula such as chemistry and physics. Attendees will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience and use techniques like scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. For more information and to register for the workshop, visit the event website.

NSF/NBC Video Series “Super Small Science” Teaches the Importance of Nanotechnology to a Broad Audience

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The National Science Foundation (NSF) and NBC News teamed up to produce a six-part series on how nanoscale materials and systems are being used in real-world technologies. These 5-6 minutes videos cover a variety of topics, including quantum dots for solar cells, nano electronics, nanoscale coatings, and nanosensors for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

RTNN Brings Nanotechnology into the Classroom through Web-Based Video Demonstrations

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On December 9th, Chapel Hill Analytical and Nanofabrication Laboratory (CHANL), an RTNN member facility, hosted an interactive web-based demonstration for middle school students at Orange Charter School in Hillsborough, NC. Using one of our high-magnification scanning electron microscopes (SEM), UNC-CH chemistry graduate students Catherine McKenas and Nicole Smiddy imaged samples that the middle school students had collected and mailed in. Students saw features of their samples that are not visible with the naked eye or traditional optical microscopes, including the microscopic details of a cricket head, guinea pig food, and cat hair.

Visit our Education page to find out how you can bring RTNN capabilities into your classroom.

View a video recording of this demonstration, courtesy of teacher Andrew Gatt: