Nano Days at the Library

I just returned from the library where my friend David (physics professor at Pomona College) was hosting Nano Days, a science event for everyone. The room was bustling with people of all ages who went from table to table where they could learn about something related to nano science. Each table was staffed by a volunteer - a teacher, a student, someone who was interested and knowledgeable about their topic.

I really enjoyed the hands-on experience, which is what makes any kind of learning much more fun and memorable.

This is not the first Nano-on-the-Road experience. You can read about Nano Days at Sycamore at my friend Judy's blog.

A full room! Fun for all ages!

These people are learning about memory wire. You can stretch out a wire spring to any distorted shape, but when you heat it up (with a hair dryer this time), it returns to its original wire shape.

We learned about incandescence - from butterfly wings to nail polish dropped on water (dip dark paper into the water under the polish and create a cool oil-slick image.

Add a few crystals to water, and they absorb it all, just the way a disposable diaper works.