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DragonflyTV Nano

Show Descriptions | Download Educator's Guide

DragonflyTV wants kids to think small. That's right. In its seventh season DragonflyTV explores the science of the incredibly small with six new episodes on the revolutionary world of nanoscale science and technology.

So what exactly is this "nanoscale?"

A nanometer is one billionth of a meter. At this size, materials take on new properties, making possible new applications that could alter everyday items from the clothes we wear to the cars we drive. Nanotechnology is already influencing medical treatments, energy efficiency, and more!

DragonflyTV Nano showcases ordinary kids conducting extraordinary inquiry-based investigations, aided by science museums and university research labs nationwide. The DragonflyTV Nano series presents the "big ideas" in nanoscience and nanotechnology:

  1. Size and Scale
  2. Structure of Matter
  3. Small is Different
  4. Forces at the Nanoscale
  5. Applications
  6. Nanotechnology and Society
Each DragonflyTV Nano episode also features a "Scientist Profile," highlighting an outstanding working scientist, and a "Wait a Nano Second " segment, in which everyday kids talk about the ethical and environmental issues relating to nanotechnology.

Show Descriptions

  • Size and Scale — What's Nano? Ebony and Jasmine ask: How big is one billion? And how small is one billionth? Where's Nano? Regina, Linda, Harrison, Jared, Lorenz, and Randi, ask: What examples of nanoscale sciene and technology can we find in our everyday lives?

  • Structure of Matter — Hockey Sticks Nicholas and Jordan are real hockey heads and want to know: How do carbon nanotube hockey sticks compare to wood and composite sticks? Butterfly Wings Emily and Julie ponder the beauty of nano, wondering: why do some butterflies change color when you look at them from different angles?

  • Small is Different— Surface Area Lara and Anushua get the 411 on surface area. Their question: How does survace area affect how things react? Stained Glass Alettie and Yvonne attempt to solve a colorful nano puzzle: How can gold look red and silver look yellow?

  • Forces at the Nanoscale— Gecko Feet Rock climbers Jennifer and Nooshin want to know: Which lizards are the best climbers? Nasturtium Leaves Jasmine and Melinda wonder: Why does water bead up on some plants and not others?

  • Applications— Self Assembly Keely and Connor are curious: How can some things assemble all by themselves? Bone Regrowth Kobel, Nathan, and Adam ask: What's the best nanomixture to make the strongest bone repair?

  • Nanotechnology and Society—Water Clean-up Taylor and Gabe want to know: Can nanoiron clean up the pollution in soil and prevent it from getting into drinking water? Nanosilver Sarah and Mande's DFTV question: Does any nanosilver leak out of socks when they are washed?

Download Educator's Guide
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