Mar 18 2014
Montana State University will host a family science night as part of a nationwide celebration called NanoDays. The nanotechnology-themed event will run from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2 in the MSU Strand Union Ballrooms.
Nanotechnology is an emerging field in which scientists and engineers study and manipulate matter at the atomic and molecular scale to develop disease-fighting drugs, alternative energy solutions, ultra-strong sports equipment and many other applications. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter.
Aimed at both kids and adults, the evening will offer a fun and easy-to-understand introduction to nanoscience. Visitors can stop in at any time for activities and demonstrations such as examining hydrogel, extracting DNA, viewing nanogold, and learning about static electricity. Several new activities have been added for 2014. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
MSU researchers are using nanoscience to develop targeted vaccines, magnetic materials for electronics and catalysts for producing hydrogen. Nanoscience blends chemistry, physics, engineering and other areas of science, and is one of the country's top research priorities.
NanoDays is sponsored by Montana NSF EPSCoR and MSU Extended University. For more information, visit http://eu.montana.edu/nanodays.