DIY NanoFall 2012 Mobile Apps
The DIY Nano app was developed by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Network) with support from the National Science Foundation. It is a hands-on learning guide that sets out to teach children about what nanotechnology is, how it impacts our daily lives and the great potential for the use of this technology in the future. It offers engaging videos that set the stage for learning, and spells out simple experiments in a recipe card format. Each experiment comes with a summary, set of instructions, and explanation. It's a great summer time or after school guide for things parents and teachers can do for learning about the difficult field of nanoscience. All of the activities within DIY Nano are centered around nanoparticles and related concepts that are usually difficult for young learners to fully grasp.
This app will probably not be something your child will play with independently, but it has tremendous value as an app you use together, where you mutually decide what activities you will engage in. Many activities require some planning (you likely don't have a sodium alginate worm kit, hydrophobic sand, or a blue morpho butterfly lying around the house, but may have a tiny cup or antacid tablets), so it's value is in planning hands-on science-based learning. It's a wonderful resource for teachers and after school care providers who will appreciate the specific instructions and clear explanations of the activities.
DIY Nano is a lovely way to provide hands on, accessible science learning to your child. It includes a link to the DIY Nano website, with more resources and learning opportunities.