Translating a difficult topic: Nanoscience and nanotechnology

摘要

Nanoscience and nanotechnology (nano) are difficult topics to translate for K-12 audiences. Leaders of the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net) tackled the challenge of distilling content into relevant key points by ascertaining current levels of understanding and interest in the topic.28 Educators and scientists then refined these into a small list of main messages: 1.1Nanoscale effects occur in many places. Some are natural, everyday occurrences; others are the result of cutting-edge research. 1.2Many materials exhibit startling properties at the nanoscale. 1.3Nanotechnology means working at small size scales, manipulating materials to exhibit new properties. 1.4Nanoscale research is a people story.