In concert with Governor Andrew Cuomo’s educational blueprint for spurring high-tech careers in New York State, SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (SUNY Poly CNSE), the CNSE Children’s Museum of Science and Technology (CNSE CMOST), and CNSE’s Smart System Technology & Commercialization Center (CNSE’s STC) have partnered with Erie County Community College, the Girl Scouts, and YMCAs across upstate New York to provide engaging, hands-on programs that will enable children and their families to experience the exciting world of nanotechnology as they take part in the national celebration of “NanoDays” 2015.
“Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s education-to-career pipeline is a critical component of New York State’s rapidly expanding high-tech economy, fostering unmatched opportunities for the next-generation of scientistswho can become inspired as they take part in events such as this statewide celebration of national ‘Nanodays’ 2015,” said Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, President and CEO of SUNY Poly. “SUNY Polytechnic Institute is proud to collaborate with the Girl Scouts, Erie County Community College, and YMCAs across New York State to continue introducing children to the fascinating concepts behind the nanosciences in order to encourage scientific curiosity,which can lead to cutting-edge, New York-based careers.”
The series of educational programs planned by SUNY Poly CNSE for “NanoDays” 2015will take place from March 28 through April 3 to provide children with the opportunity to become immersed in the world of nanoscience-based concepts.At each YMCA or off-site YMCA after school program location serving the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, Finger Lakes, and Western New York regions, children and families will be able to engage in hands-on activities where they can learn about invisibility by interacting with vanishing jelly marbles; ultraviolet wavelengths by utilizing special “invisible markers”; static electricity by floating small objects on a cloud of electrons; polymers by making realistic looking snow; brainwaves by using headsets that turn brainwave measurements into the ability to levitate a ball; among other fun scientific ideas. A number of child-focused events will take place at CNSE CMOST, in addition to a discussion of nanomedicine and its implications, which isscheduled to take place in the relaxed atmosphere of a Capital Region coffee shop.
National “NanoDays” will kick-off with a superhero-themed exploration of nanotechnology at CNSE CMOST’s Troy location on Saturday, March 28,from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with CNSE CMOST events following on Sunday, March 29, at 1 p.m. when visitors wil discover the nano-concepts behind gecko feet, lotus leaves, and more; Wednesday, April 1, at 3:00 p.m. when attendees can take part in nano-based activities and enjoy science-focused story time, and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. when Girl Scouts will be able to learn about “nano in nature,” exploring gecko feet and butterfly wings, for example; and on Friday, April 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. whenchildren can take part in a “NanoDays” camp to become immersed in the 21st Century science, explore the museum, meet the animals of Operation W.I.L.D., and more.
In addition to the CNSE CMOST series of “NanoDays” events, the public is invited to investigate the science of superhero powers by exploringinvisibility, mind control, and the ability to flyat events scheduled throughout the week. Activities will take place on Monday, March 30, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at Pine Hills Elementary School where the Capital District YMCA—Albany Branch conducts an after school program and 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the YMCA Buffalo Niagara—Independent Health Family Branch; Tuesday, March 31, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the Saratoga Regional YMCA—Saratoga Springs Branch and from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley—Rome Family Branch; and Wednesday, April 1, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Coxsackie Elementary School where the Capital District YMCA—Greene County Branch conducts an after school program, and from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the YMCA of Greater Rochester—Carlson MetroCenter YMCA. During each activity, SUNY Poly’s faculty, researchers, and students emphasize relevant, age-appropriate scientific concepts that both entertain and engage children and their families, providing a greater understanding of the ideas underpinning the science that is powering today’s technological progress.
National “NanoDays” 2015 is part of a concerted national effort to increase awareness and understanding about the burgeoning scientific area related tonanotechnology. Organized by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net), “NanoDays” 2015 is supported with funding from the National Science Foundation, with events planned at over 200 science museums, research centers, and universities across the country, from Puerto Rico to Hawaii.
For a complete list of the events and activities that are planned for SUNY Poly’s “NanoDays” 2015, please visit www.sunycnse.com/Outreach/NanoDays2015.aspx.