“Nanotechnology:  What’s the Big Deal?” introduces facts and dispels myths about the important field of nanoscience. At the ultra-tiny nanoscale, common materials can behave in unusual ways.  Scientists are working to understand this phenomenon and how it applies to our lives. 

In this exhibit you will see what a billion (and one-billionth) of something looks like. You can manipulate the size of a quantum dot to see its strange changing properties. You will also watch as floating molecules move themselves into an orderly pattern. These are just some of the amazing facts you will learn about nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology: What's the big deal? is appearing at the following Arkansas museums:

• Mid-America Science Museum, Hot Springs - September 26 - January 10, 2010
• Museum of Discovery, Little Rock - January 16 - April 4, 2010
• Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, Pine Bluff - April 10 - June 17, 2010
• Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, Smackover - July 3 - October 3, 2010
• Texarkana Museums System, Texarkana - October 9 - December 2010
• Arkansas State University Museum, Jonesboro - January - March 2011
• University of Arkansas Discovery Zone, Fayetteville - April - June 2011

Arkansas Children’s Hospital is the state-wide sponsor of “Nanotechnology” and is providing specific information about how doctors in Arkansas are using nanotechnology in treating patients. 

“Nanotechnology: What’s the Big Deal?,” a new exhibit offered by the Arkansas Discovery Network, was created by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE), which is funded by the National Science Foundation. Through a partnership with NISE Network, “Nanotechnology” will tour the Arkansas Discovery Network’s seven museum partners through 2011.