Nanotechnology is all around us! Learn about nanotechnology, meet professionals in the field, and discuss careers associated with nanotechnology. The Singh Center for Nanotechnology at the University of Pennsylvania hosts high and middle school students at NanoDay @ Penn 2023. Meet researchers, engineers, undergraduate/graduate students at Penn, Drexel University and Goeppert. Sign up for in-person and/or online synchronous sessions for your classes and clubs.
INFO: https://nano.upenn.edu/nanoday
REGISTER: https://signup.com/go/UAFJMDM
CONTACT: Dr. Gyuseok Kim (kimgyu@upenn.edu) and Dr. Lee Ozier (ozierd@seas.upenn.edu)
How to Register
Teachers are required to sign up for sessions for their classes or club.
The schedule of in-person presentations can be slightly adjusted (5-10 min) depending on the classroom or club schedule upon the teacher’s request.
Multiple teachers can sign up for online synchronous sessions.
Agenda
Waves, Light, and Nanotechnology
Oct 9th, 10 am, in-person at middle/high school, 40 min session
Presented by Dr. David Barth (Penn)
Related courses: Any STEM classes or clubs
Abstract: Waves are all around us, and their unique properties are key to many natural phenomena as well as modern technology. We will explore some examples and demonstrations that illustrate what makes waves unique and how the wave properties of light enable nanotechnology. Specifically, we will look at how the structure of materials at the nanoscale can affect their color, where we see this effect in nature, and how it can be useful in developing new technology.
REGISTER: https://signup.com/go/UAFJMDM
Quantum Dots and QD-based Devices: Nanotechnology Enabled by Chemistry
Oct 9th, 1 pm, in-person at middle/high school, 40 min session
Presented by Dr. Pat Watson (Penn)
Related courses: Physics, Chemistry
Abstract: Nanotechnology is the study of building and characterizing small things – things larger than atoms but smaller than one tenth of a micron. Nanotechnology has allowed us to construct Si chips containing 10 billion switches (transistors) that power our phones, computers, and internet servers. But there is another realm of nanotechnology with techniques that allow us to create tiny, nanoscale particles using the principles and techniques of chemistry. In this talk I will provide you with a deeper understanding of what nanotechnology is all about, introduce you to this interesting and useful material – quantum dots – and show how we can make these amazing things with basic chemical synthesis techniques. I will end by describing some practical applications of these materials.
REGISTER: https://signup.com/go/UAFJMDM
Solar-powered Refrigeration
Oct 10th, 10 am, in-person at middle/high school, 40 min session
Oct 10th, 1:30 pm, in-person at middle/high school, 40 min session
Presented by Dr. Sam Azadi (Penn)
Related courses: Any STEM classes or clubs
Abstract: Solar power is a renewable source of energy that can be used to power everyday appliances. We explain how solar power can be harvested to produce electricity. We subsequently show examples of solar cells fabricated at the Singh Center at the University of Pennsylvania, and use solar cells to power hand-held refrigeration devices.
REGISTER: https://signup.com/go/UAFJMDM
Revolutionary Materials: MXene Hydrogels
Oct 10th, 12:30 pm, online synchronous, 40 min session
Presented by Yuri Gogotsi lab (Drexel University)
Related courses: Any STEM classes or clubs
Abstract: Orbeez, Jell-O, and Hydrogel have something remarkable in common-they are composed of more than 90% water and are a gel-like structure. Typically, hydrogels are formed from natural or synthetic polymers- materials consisting of large molecules made up of repeating smaller molecules. However, today, we delve into groundbreaking technology: hydrogels made from inorganic materials known as MXenes. MXenes are two-dimensional flakes consisting of alternating transition metal layers and carbon/nitrogen layers with versatile properties which were first discovered at Drexel University in 2011. Through an innovative approach, we can harness the unique qualities of MXene to produce a gel-like material called MXene hydrogel which shows a great potential in multitude of applications including electronics, energy storage, sensitive sensing technologies, and even the creation of composite materials.
REGISTER: https://signup.com/go/UAFJMDM
Computer Physics, Nanotechnology, and Milk & Cookies
Oct 11th, 10 am – 12 pm, up to two in-person sessions at middle/high school, 40 min per session
Presented by Marc Miskin lab (Penn)
Related courses: Any STEM clubs
Abstract: Computers are machines which are capable of thinking, remembering, sensing, and calculating. Computers do all of these things using binary–a series of 0’s and 1’s–each designating one “bit” of information. Given enough bits, virtually anything can be encoded.
But what is a bit? What is a 0 or 1 actually made out of? And how are we able to mass manufacture computer chips which can fit trillions of bits on the size of a penny?
The answer lies in the transistor–an electronic device which either lets electricity flow through or stops it in its tracks. In this demo, I will talk about how transistors work, demonstrating the basic physics using a jug of milk. I will then discuss how we can make billions of them all at once by making them very small–by comparing the process to baking cookies. Finally, I will help students conceptualize how small these things actually are with the help of some sprinkles, a ruler, and a little bit of math.
REGISTER: https://signup.com/go/UAFJMDM
The Fascinating World of Two-Dimensional Carbides and Nitrides (MXenes)
Oct 11th, 1 pm, in-person at middle/high school, 40 min session
Presented by Yuri Gogotsi lab (Drexel University)
Related courses: High school science class, physics or chemistry, or club
Abstract: Two-dimensional flakes called MXenes, with alternating layers of transition metals and carbon/nitrogen, have jumped into the limelight due to their attractive properties and resulting practical applications. The family of MXenes has been expanding rapidly since the discovery of Ti3C2 at Drexel University in 2011 and are the only major family of materials discovered in the 21st century. MXenes are the fastest growing family of inorganic materials and may well become the largest one with an almost infinite number of combinations of M-element metals (like titanium or molybdenum), X-elements (carbon or nitrogen) and surface terminations (oxygen, hydroxyl, etc.), and can be assembled in a variety of distinct structures. The versatile chemistry of MXenes renders their properties tunable for a variety of applications, such as enabling fast storage of electrical energy, leading us to batteries recharging much faster compared to the currently used ones. They can also be used in telecommunication (printable antennas), energy conversion (photovoltaics), water desalination, wearable and flexible electronics, cancer treatment, kidney dialysis, and many other applications.
REGISTER: https://signup.com/go/UAFJMDM
Seeing By Feeling with the Atomic Force Microscope
Oct 11th, 1 pm, online synchronous, 30 min session
Presented by Dr. Matt Brukman (Penn)
Related courses: Any STEM classes
Abstract: The AFM isn’t like other microscopes—instead of shooting a beam of light or electrons at a specimen, an atomic force microscope shows us the size and shape of something by feeling and tapping its way around. We can also use the AFM to learn about material stiffness, stickiness, and electrical conductivity. In this session I’ll teach you about the instrument and give a demonstration on something really tiny.
REGISTER: https://signup.com/go/UAFJMDM
PhD Student Panel: Discovering stem cells to coding to quantum
Oct 11th, 1:30 pm – 2:10 pm, online synchronous, 40 min session
Moderated by Dr. Kristin Field (Penn)
Related courses: Any STEM classes or clubs
Abstract: Different careers require different amounts of education. After a college undergraduate degree, some people go on to study in PhD programs to learn how to be experts in specific areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). This type of graduate training allows students to focus on particular STEM topics of interest and to learn how to be expert researchers in something new to the world.
Meet four students who are working on their PhD degrees in engineering. They will share a little bit of their STEM passion and highlight interesting components of their chosen fields.
This session is appropriate for anyone interested in learning a little about how things are discovered in STEM and meeting students who will contribute to the future discoveries of our world.
Harboring the Power of the Nanoscale for Material Design
Oct 12th, 10 am – 12 pm, Two in-person sessions at middle/high school, 40 min per session
Presented by Daeyeon Lee lab (Penn)
Abstract: The mechanical properties of everyday materials, such as cracking, flexibility, and strength, are driven by changes on the nanoscale. We will demonstrate the impact of different nanoscale effects, such as crosslinking and material defects, and explain how such tiny changes create the material properties we observe. In addition, we will discuss cutting-edge research at Penn in both the laboratory and using computer simulations that applies our knowledge of nanoscale properties to design materials with novel properties and uses.
REGISTER: https://signup.com/go/UAFJMDM
Using conductive nano-flakes to measure and modulate muscle, heart, and brain activity
Oct 12th, 10 am, in-person at middle/high school, 40 min session
Presented by Flavia Vitale lab (Penn)
Related courses: any STEM classes
Abstract: Nanoscale materials provide a unique opportunity to interact with the human body at incredibly small scales (smaller than the diameter of your hair!). When these nanomaterials are properly packaged in a sensor – or bioelectronic – they allow us to measure the activity throughout our entire body. With these bioelectronics, we can see the rise and fall of our heartbeats, distinguish walking from running, and even understand which fingers are moving from the signals coming from our hearts, muscles, and brain, respectively. Not only are we able to sense the activity of the body, however, we can use these nanoscale bioelectronics to distribute electrical stimulation to change the way our bodies behave. For example, cochlear implants can use electrical stimulation to recreate hearing, pacemakers can use stimulation to regulate our heartbeats, and deep brain stimulators can reduce body tremors in Parkinson’s Disease. In our lab here at the University of Pennsylvania, we work with MXene as our nanomaterial that gives life to our bioelectronics. MXene is a nanomaterial composed of small semi-crystalline flakes of Titanium and Carbon bonded chemically together that allows us to sense and change body activity at very small scales (a single MXene flake is ~1 /100 the diameter of your hair!). To put a picture in your mind, MXene is very similar in many ways to Graphene, which you could see if you scraped a pencil across a piece of scotch tape. One big difference, however, is that we can store our mxene flakes in an aqueous solution so that it looks like a small vial of ink – which we can then spray or deposit onto our bioelectronics for a variety of purposes. During this year’s nanoday, we will bring a few of our MXene-based bioelectronics into the classroom to help demonstrate interactively how we can use these bioelectronics to measure our own muscle activation and describe some of the implications for the future of wearable and implantable technology.
REGISTER: https://signup.com/go/UAFJMDM
Eclectic and Exciting Applications with Nanotechnology
Oct 12th, 1 pm in-person at middle/high school,40 min session
Presented by Mr. Trey Shin (Goeppert)
Related courses: Any STEM classes or clubs
Abstract: We will explore a range of fascinating subjects within nanotechnology, potentially covering diverse topics such as career opportunities, practical applications, the path to commercialization, and delve into the enchanting elements that render nanotechnology so exceptionally powerful and captivating!
Hands-on Lab: CdSe Quantum Dot Synthesis and Characterization for Teachers
Oct 12th, 1 pm – 5 pm, Singh Center for Nanotechnology at Penn
Led by Dr. Gyuseok Kim (Penn)
This session is only for teachers.
REGISTER: https://signup.com/go/UAFJMDM
Levitation: It’s what’s up!
Oct 13th, 8 am – 12 pm, up to 4 in-person sessions at middle/high school for a teacher, 40 min per session
Presented by Igor Bargatin lab (Penn)
Related courses: Middle school math or science classes
Abstract: Levitation isn’t just for sci-fi movies! In this Nano Week 2023 presentation we will explain real-world modes of levitation, including magnetic and electrostatic, and their applications. Additionally, we will delve into a new and exciting type of light-driven levitation, as it pertains to our own research. Students will participate in several experiments to explore and discover different levitation phenomena. We will also leave time to discuss highlights of our group’s nanoscale research and answer questions about careers in STEM fields. Presentation will be live in person (we will come to your school). Best suited for middle school math or science classes.
REGISTER: https://signup.com/go/UAFJMDM
Kiri/Origami for Fun Science Uses, and Engineered Applications
Oct 13th, 10 am – 12 pm, in-person session at middle/high school for a teacher, 40 min per session
Presented by Shu Yang lab (Penn)
Related courses: Any STEM classes
Abstract: “Kiri/Origami,” the esteemed art of Japanese paper folding, will be introduced to high school students, highlighting its artistic allure and its relevance in scientific applications. This outreach activity will blend hands-on Origami sessions with discussions on its potential in contemporary science. Students will actively create intricate paper cuts and folds while exploring literature that connects these techniques to fields like nanotechnology. The fundamental science and underneath mechanics will be introduced to inspire and be mirrored in innovative scientific solutions. Particularly, we will show that how the adaptability and versatility of Origami/Kirigami have been employed in applied fields such as nanotechnology, spacecraft, biomedical rehabilitation, and soft robotics.
REGISTER: https://signup.com/go/UAFJMDM
How to See Nanoscale Things: Electron Microscopy
Oct 13th, 1 pm, for 30 min, online synchronous
Presented by Dr. Jamie Ford (Penn)
Related courses: Any STEM classes
Abstract: Whereas we use visible light to see objects, we can use electrons to see nanoscale objects. I will demonstrate an electron microscope to see a small object and explain how this tool works.
REGISTER: https://signup.com/go/UAFJMDM
