Generation Nano Superhero Winners
Posted on April 6th, 2018 by Mary Lord
What does a solar-powered, high-flying hero named Heliora have in common with a peppy polymer that transforms into a cell-size, chain-welding warrior to battle an antibiotic-resistant superbug? Both won the 2018 Generation Nano challenge!
Filed under: K-12 Education News, K-12 Outreach Programs, Special Features | Comments Off on Generation Nano Superhero Winners
Tags: comic books, Competitions for Students, Contest, Generation Nano, Nanotechnology, National Science Foundation, NSF, STEM education, STEM superheroes, Web Resources
Nanotechnology – an emerging field that measures materials in billionths of a meter – is showing up in products from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals to cellphones. To help introduce this fascinating subject to K-12 students, the National Science Foundation and NBC Learn have teamed up to create a series of short videos. Nanotechnology: Super Small Science is just one of several free nanoscience and engineering education resources the federal government has developed for teachers. 
Ultra-tiny nanoscale engineered materials and technologies show up in products from cosmetics to medicine. To help teach this rapidly expanding area of STEM, TryNano has assembled a webpage with lessons, games, and other free resources.
Pow! Kaboom! Building on the surging popularity of the Avengers, Batman, Captain America and other movie superheroes, the National Science Foundation and National Nanotechnology Initiative have launched a new competition to encourage students to “think big” and pursue STEM.
Brigham Young University engineering student Jake Merrell has created a “smart foam” that could be placed inside the helmets of football players to measure the impact of hits to the head, and could help prevent concussions while players are int the game. 
Nanooze, a science magazine for students in upper elementary through high school, explores the exciting world of nanotechnology – and the “cool things that happen when you make things really, really small.” It’s distributed free to schools, in classroom packs of 30.
From Lady Gaga’s glowing, LED-encrusted gown to lightweight body armor and high-tech sports apparel, engineered fabrics are turning up well beyond the fashion world. ASEE’s Prism magazine highlights some innovative examples.
You don’t have to be an engineer to introduce engineering concepts and design into your classroom. The eGFI site includes scores of inexpensive, engaging lessons – searchable by grade level or subject – that cover the various engineering disciplines. To kick off the school year and acquaint you with eGFI, we’ve assembled a dozen of 2011’s most popular lessons and activities. Have fun putting some “E” in your STEM classes this semester!
More and more consumer products are being developed using super-small particles, but is it safe? This article examines the steps scientists are taking to try and find an answer, including research being done that has already shown some startling and complicated results.
