What is Nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology applies scientific and engineering principles to make new materials and observe structures by controlling matter on the nanoscale. That is the scale of atoms -- one billionth of a meter. That means that a nanometer is about 8,000 times smaller than the average human red blood cell and about 25,000 times smaller than the thickness of an average human hair.
Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary field involving chemistry, physics, biology, materials science, and engineering to create technical advances across multiple fields. These innovations include advances in semiconductors, batteries, sunscreen, medical devices and therapies, solar cells, LED displays, and many other technologies. Check out NOVA's August 2013 "Making Stuff: Smaller" episode for several recent applications of nano in medicine and electronics.
For more information about seeing and manufacturing at the nanoscale: The National Nanotechnology Initiative
Exciting opportunities to learn more about nano through SHINE:
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) class: February 3 - February 17, 2015
In partnership with North Seattle College Continuing Education, we’re offering a fun three-part class using a Scanning Electron Microscope! Science meets art in this fascinating class as you learn to photograph with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). You will look at insects and flowers with incredible magnification and see what the “really small” really looks like. You will leave with a laminated 8.5” x 11” black and white SEM photograph. Visit North Seattle College Continuing Education for more information and to register. Class requires no prior experience with scanning electron microscopes.
Logistics and Registration Information:
Class will run Tuesdays 6:30pm–8:30pm, Feb 3–Feb 17 (3 sessions)
$95.00 plus a $35.00 materials fee
Class will be held in the Nano Lab at North Seattle College, 9600 College Way North, Seattle, WA 98103