Impression 5 Science Center is hosting another free Nano Day. The last one drew 600 people of all ages, and organizers expect even more this year.
The March 28 event is billed as an opportunity to learn about nanotechnology. The science, which involves the study of sub-microscopic materials so tiny they're measured in nanometers, is a giant among growing industries in Michigan.
Nano Day is an outgrowth of a $2.5 million grant to Michigan State University (MSU) to develop nanofiltration, creating microscopic pores to clean drinking water. Impression 5 and Lansing Community College (LCC) are using $300,000 of the grant for public education.
LCC is part of Nano-Link, the Midwest Regional Center for Nanotechnology Education, funded through a $3 million National Science Foundation grant.
Tom Deitz, chair of the LCC science department, will be there as Dr. Nano, wearing waterproof clothing created through nanotechnology.
“Kids get to dribble water on my clothes. They say ‘Oh my gosh, I got to pour water on an adult,'” Deitz laughs. There will be 25 activities teaching kids about technology.
Students from LCC’s nanotechnology class will show products that use the technology, such as extra durable tennis balls and transparent sunscreen. Scouts can earn nano patches, and high school and college students will be introduced to career opportunities.
Scientists from MSU will be on hand to teach, as well.
Following Nano Day, Christel Marshall, head of LCC’s science and math education center, will offer free classes instructing teachers in how to bring nanotechnology into their classrooms.
Source: Tom Deitz, LCC
Gretchen Cochran, Innovation & Jobs editor, may be reached here.
All Photographs © Dave Trumpie
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