If you are curious about all things nano, start your learning journey here! Each section details a different aspect of nanoscience or nanotechnology.

These materials are a collection of resources available on the internet. Many are made by our colleagues at other NSF and NNCI supported universities across the US. Other resources are not affiliated with MONT or Montana State University.  We’d like to thank the many organizations that have created these materials!

 

What is Nano?

Illustration magnifying glass

Introduction

You probably know that ‘nano’ is a word used to describe really small things. But just how small is nano?

Size and Scale

illustration of a ruler and an atom

Smaller than "Small"

How small is nano? Grasping the smallness of the nanoscale is not easy, but it's very important. These resources give you an idea of how to start thinking about the world of nanoscale.

Matter Acts in Weird Ways at the Nanoscale

Butterfly illustration

Nanoscale vs Macroscale

The way things behave at the nanoscale is different from how they work in the macroscale.

 

 

Seeing Things at the Nanoscale

Illustration of a microscope

Tools of the Trade

Most of us have seen or used a magnifying glass or a microscope. After all, this is how we magnify small things to see them better. However, to see things at the nanoscale, we need special instruments. 

Making Things at the Nanoscale

Ilustration of a microchip

Intro to Nanofabrication

Making things at the nanoscale is called nanofabrication. To make nanoscale devices, we need a special laboratory with specialized equipment called a cleanroom.

Applications of Nanotechnology

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Overview

You’ve learned about some applications of nanotechnology in the previous lessons. This last video gives a quick overview of what you have learned about the nanoscale and a look at nanotechnology applications..

 

Meet Scientists and Engineers in Nano

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The People at Work

Scientists and engineers are putting what they've learned into practice by using nanotechnology in a variety of research projects. Click the image to learn more about scientists like Debbie Senesky and Anne d'Aquino!

Meet Scientists and Engineers in Nano

Illustration of two scientists

The People at Work

Scientists and engineers are putting what they've learned into practice by using nanotechnology in a variety of research projects. Click the image to learn more about scientist like Karen Dowling and Rey Martin.

Nano Activities

Magazine Illustration

Want to Learn More?

Nanooze Magazine, created by Cornell University for young learners, has several issues you can download for free and articles about interesting aspects of nano science and engineering.