Nanotech Education

DNP123's mission is to make nanotechnology affordable and easy enough that anyone can build it. We want to live in a world where nanotech creates new medical diagnostics and treatments, new clean energy technologies, and a host of other devices that will makes our lives more awesome. We know we can't do it alone. For that reason, we've begun creating a series of educational tools to help train the next generation of scientists and engineers in the art of nanotechnology. We just released our first kit, and more will be coming soon.

Who's it for? Do you know a motivated student who wants to learn more than they're getting out of their science class? How about a teacher looking to introduce more engaging course material? If so, our kits are for them. Different kits target different ages ranging from middle school through college. Our first kit is designed for late high school or college students, though particularly bright junior high students may also benefit. If you know a teacher or student who might be interested, send them a link to our first kit, Do Atoms Really Exist?

What kind of kits do you make? All of our kits are focused on some aspect of nanotechnology. This could involve:

• Science - discovering the biological, chemical, and/or physical properties of tiny things
• Engineering - designing tiny devices that solve problems
• Mathematics - describing quantitatively how tiny things move, heat up, light up, or stick together
• Computer science - simulating and animating how tiny things behave

For example, have you ever wondered how we know atoms exist? Our first kit, Do Atoms Really Exist?, explores the science behind the discovery of atoms. In this virtual lab, you conduct a Nobel Prize-winning experiment that led Albert Einstein and others to the amazing discovery of atoms.

Are all kits virtual? With many areas struggling to contain COVID-19, we're making the first few kits virtual. Our first kit can be done all online. Teachers can defeat "Zoom fatigue" with engaging content as students safely conduct labs remotely. In addition to providing a good solution for pandemic times, virtual kits helps us keep costs down, so schools can afford them. All proceeds from these kits support DNP123's operations and research, which enables us to develop high quality nanotechnologies for both education and research.
While virtual kits have advantages, we know nothing can replace the tactile experience of actually being in lab. We're in the process of designing real experimental kits that can be done in a school or home lab.  We're starting pilots of these experimental kits with a handful of schools soon.

How does it work? Find the virtual kit Do Atoms Really Exists? in the DNP123 Store. After purchasing the kit, download the electronic lab manual, problems and solutions, experiment and simulation videos, and 500 microscope images of real data.  Learn motion capture analysis and track how tiny microparticles move. Use this to verify the existence of the even tinier atoms that push them around. Teachers can purchase the lab once and share it with their students.
It doesn't stop there! We want to work with you to make your classes engaging. Are there topics in science, mathematics, computers, or engineering in which you'd like to incorporate nanotechnology? If so, contact us and let us know what you're looking to do. If there's a good fit, we can help develop content that will keep your students eager to learn more and pursue STEM careers.

What if my school doesn't have money for a virtual kit? We don't want to leave financially disadvantaged schools behind. If your school would like to try one of our virtual kits, let us know through our contact page. We're happy to provide free copies of virtual kits in exchange for feedback that will help us improve future versions.

What's next? We're putting together more content for STEM classes, so check back every few weeks and see what's new. If you'd like regular updates, let us know and we'll add you to our mailing list. If you sign up, we'll send you a free PDF copy of the Do Atoms Really Exists? instruction manual.

We look forward to working with you to bring nanotechnologies from fantasy to reality!