Nanotechnology Educational Resources

The NACK commitment

The NACK Center is committed to supporting development of two-year degree programs in micro- and nanotechnology across the country by offering academic
and educational resources.

Post-Secondary Resources

Introductory Level Modules: A series of thought-provoking nanotechnology PowerPoint presentations filled with in-depth material surveying where nanotechnology came from, why it is so unique, how it is practiced, and what it can do.

Undergraduate Level Course Notes: Packaged as six courses, each containing multiple modules. Each module can be rearranged to create new courses. Suitable for two-year degree programs, for certificate programs, and for freshman-sophomore use in four-year degree programs.

Undergraduate Level Laboratories: These are a set of six lab packages corresponding to the set of six course notes. Labs can be rearranged to accommodate new course arrangements. Suitable for two-year degree programs, for certificate programs, and for freshman-sophomore use in four-year degree programs.

Remote Access: A collection of characterization equipment that may be remotely controlled through the Internet.

K-12 Resources

Introductory Level Modules: A series of thought-provoking nanotechnology PowerPoint presentations filled with in-depth material surveying where nanotechnology came from, why it is so unique, how it is practiced, and what it can do.

Introductory Level Activities: Interactive nano-enabled products used to expand the imaginations of K-12 students with current applications benefiting from nanotechnology.

Multimedia: A collection of interactive multimedia in nanotechnology. These resources are suitable for a variety of levels and subject areas..

High School Level Nanotech Academy Activities: A collection of informal activities created for a 1-3 day nanotechnology camp available to those interested in creating similar events or to supplement the classroom experience.

High School Level Experiments: A collection of experiments and activities that introduce nanotechnology concepts and applications to many levels; includes, but is not limited to, nanoparticle synthesis for bacterial inhibition, micro- and nanofluidic device fabrication with common materials, micro- and nanoencapsulation, and nanowire sensor applications.

Professional Development

Workshops: NACK offers a series of workshops for educators and administrators who are interested in exploring the world of nanotechnology and the impact it is having on their lives and will have on the careers of their students. These workshops range from learning introductory nanotechnology basics to learning how to most effectively utilize NACK nanotechnology resources within their institutions.

Remote Access to Tools: NACK brings cutting-edge technology and instrumentation into your classroom, laboratory, and industry site by offering remote access to nanotechnology characterization instruments.

Student Recruitment: NACK offers assistance in the development and refinement of strategies to promote education and career opportunities in nanotechnology.

Webinars: NACK offers periodic live webinars to engage and educate those of you that are interested in learning more about nanotechnology related topics. NACK webinars are archived for new or refresher nanotechnology educator professional development.

2012 NACK Workshops

Hands-on Introduction to Nanotechnology for Educators

Join us and explore the world of nanotechnology. Participants will learn about the growing applications of nanotechnology in many industries including the biotechnology, MEMS, optoelectronics, chemical, and nanoelectronics industries. The basics of nanofabrication processes and tools will be covered and emphasized through processing labs held in the class 10 cleanrooms of the Penn State Nanofabrication Facility and the CNEU Teaching Cleanroom.

This workshop is designed for: Post-Secondary, Secondary Science, Technology, and Vocational-Technical Educators; Guidance Counselors; School Administrators, and others.

May 1-3, 2012: Click here to register.
November 13-15, 2012: Click here to register.

The workshop registration fee is $500. Financial support may be available to qualified applicants.

Financial support to attend the workshop may be available if you are community/technical college faculty member at an associate degree granting community or technical college, or you are a faculty member at a baccalaureate degree granting institution working with a community/ technical college and your institution does not have NSF Advanced Technological Education (ATE) funding that could support your participation in this activity. Financial support may also be available if you are a secondary science, technology or vocational technical teacher, administrator or counselor that teaches or is involved in the administration of the STEM curriculum at your institution.

Nanotechnology Course Resource Workshops

A series of two workshops, the Nanotechnology Course Resource Workshops have been designed to provide post-secondary faculty and administrators with the resources needed to effectively teach undergraduate nanotechnology courses. These workshops were formerly known as our "Train the Trainer" Workshops. Please note that it does not matter which workshop is attended first.

This workshop is valued at $1,700. Applicants who are accepted will be granted a fellowship to attend the workshop which includes: workshop registration fee, breakfast/lunch, travel (airfare up to $750) and lodging. Click on the links below for the application and to see more details on the workshops. Space is limited, register early!

Nanotechnology Course Resources I: Safety, Processing, and Materials
This workshop focuses on: Materials, Safety, and Equipment Overview, Basic Nanotechnology Processes, and Materials in Nanotechnology.
- April 16-19, 2012: Click here to apply.
- September 17-20, 2012: Click here to apply.
Nanotechnology Course Resources II: Patterning, Characterization, and Applications
This workshop focuses on: Patterning for Nanotechnology, Materials Modification for Nanotechnology Applications, and Characterization, Testing of Nanotechnology Structures and Materials.
- Aug 13-16, 2012: Click here to apply.
- October 1-4, 2012: Click here to apply.

Find more nanotechnology events and conferences

Remote Access

NACK Center brings cutting-edge technology and instrumentation into your classroom, laboratory, and industry site by offering on-line remote access to nanotechnology processing instruments.

Traditionally, an engineer from Penn State University orchestrates the instrument's use, while offering additional assistance via audio and visual internet software.

Available Instrumentation

AFM: Atomic Force Microscopy
FESEM: Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy
Profilometry
UV-Vis Spectrophotometry

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Promotion and Recruitment Committee

NACK Center and its partners have assembled a committee responsible for promotion and recruitment, chaired by Dr. Ed Franklin of the Arkansas Association of Two-Year Colleges and NACK Center member representative Bob Ehrmann.

The goal of the committee is to promote educational and career opportunities for individuals in micro- and nanofabrication. This includes current and potential students, incumbent workers, industry personnel, as well as members from academia in a wide breadth of disciplines.

Committee Goals

Review ongoing student recruitment activities of community and technical college micro- and nanotechnology programs
Jointly devise and implement new, uniform strategies.
Assess impacts and refine strategies accordingly.

Contribute to the Committee

Contact us to discuss your involvement and methodologies to promote educational and career opportunities in micro- and nanofabrication.

Webinars

The NACK center offers a live webinar, hosted by MATEC NetWorks, every month to engage and educate those of you that are interested in learning more about nanotechnology related topics. If you have an idea for a webinar please contact us.

To view archived webinars please visit the links below:

Upcoming Webinars

Nanotechnology and Materials
April 26, 2012

Discovering nanotechnology material applications

Click here to register.

How Safe is Nanotechnology in Our Lives?
May 24, 2012

Examining societal impacts of nanotechnology