Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge Network (NACK)

"Materials and manufacturing for the 21st Century". "The Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge (NACK) Network is the NSF National ATE Center for Nanotechnology Workforce Development. Through resource sharing, providing course materials, and stressing broad student preparation, we will help create and sustain economically viable nanotechnology education across the U.S." Nano4Me is the educational portal for NACK. Extensive resources are available for educators and students.

Access NACK Resources

• NACK Handbook for Processes and Best Practices for Nanotechnology Workforce Development (2015)
• Student Outreach Resources from NACK Handbook
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  • Nanotechnology: Big Things from a Tiny World
  • Summary of Skill Sets Taught in 6 Nanotechnology Courses
  • Student Success Story: Going small...to make it big!
  • Information Brochure about a Program
  • National Endorsement on Nano Workforce Programs
  • Ivy Tech Presentation: Intro to Nano 101
  • NACK Network Student Recruitment Presentation: Nanotechnology - What, Why, Where?
  • Engaging Undergraduates through Interdisciplinary Research in Nanotechnology
  • Sustaining Physics Programs through Interdisciplinary Programs: A Case Study in Nanotechnology
  • Simple Fabrication of a Super-Hydrophobic Surface
  • Thin Films
  • What is Nanoscience?
  • Chemistry of Hydrophobic Sand
  • Water Purification

K-12 Resources

• Glossary: Nanotechnology related terms in English
• Introductory Level Modules: A series of thought-provoking nanotechnology PowerPoint presentations filled with in-depth material surveying where nanotechnology came from, why it is so unique, how it is practiced, and what it can do. Free registration is required.
• Introductory Level Activities: A growing number of consumer products employ nanotechnology. We have assembled a set of activity sheets describing some common and not so common applications of nanotechnology that students can relate to. In general, these products take advantage of some unique property of materials at the nanoscale to provide improved functionality. We hope that you will find these activities enjoyable and instructive. Free registration is required.
• Multimedia: A collection of interactive multimedia in nanotechnology. These resources are suitable for a variety of levels and subject areas.
• High School Level Nanotech Academy Activities: A collection of informal activities created for a 1-3 day nanotechnology camp available to those interested in creating similar events or to supplement the classroom experience.
• High School Level Experiments:  A collection of experiments and activities that introduce nanotechnology concepts and applications to many levels; includes, but is not limited to, nanoparticle synthesis for bacterial inhibition, micro- and nanofluidic device fabrication with common materials, micro- and nanoencapsulation, and nanowire sensor applications. 

Post-Secondary Resources

• Introductory Level Modules --These introductory level modules are a series of thought-provoking nanotechnology presentations filled with in-depth material for students and workers of all knowledge levels. These modules are designed to be used in workshops, courses, and overview lectures to introduce nanotechnology and its applications.
• Undergraduate Materials--Course Lectures, Vidos and Associated Labs --Packaged as six courses, each contains multiple modules and corresponding lab packages. All modules and labs can be rearranged to create new courses. Suitable for two–year degree programs, for certificate programs, and for freshman–sophomore use in four-year degree programs.
• Remote Access to Tools--see information for RAIN below (for registered users only).

Choose a Pathway --Find a 2-year degree nanotech education program near you.

Spanish Resources

Professional Development; for educators--

• Workshops --Thanks to NSF grant DUE-2000725, NACK offers two types of free, live-streaming workshops. Whether you need introductory information to the world of nano, are ready to implement nano-concepts into your classroom, or are interested in implementing a full nanotechnology program at your institution, these are great cutting-edge knowledge and professional development opportunities at no cost to you! 
• Webinars -- The NACK Network offers live webinars, hosted by MATEC NetWorks, to engage and educate those of you that are interested in learning more about nanotechnology related topics.
• Student Recruitment -- Resource links from the NACK Handbook.
   

UPR Workshop for Educators --The Workshop "Educating the Nanotechnology Workforce: What is Nano and Where are the Jobs?", offered on November 20th, 2013, at the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao, 

NACK Webinar Series (YouTube channel)

• 39 ~1 hour long presentations on a wide range of topics in nanotechnology. NACK Network Webinars--archived 2009-2021 
• Webinars focused on Nanotechnology education include:
  • Hands On(line) Lab Education with Remote SEM, 
  • Strategies to Build Your Enrollments in Your Nanotechnology and STEM programs,  and 
  • NACK and NCI-SW: The NNI with a Focus on Resources for Educators.

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Remotely Accessible Instruments for Nanotechnology (RAIN). 

"NACK's network of remotely accessible scientific equipment lowers the barrier-to-entry and enables instructors to deliver authentic and relevant educational activities for students interested in learning about nanotechnology and other STEM fields. The RAIN program engages the next generation STEM workforce (technicians, technologists, engineers, educators and scientists) in their day-to-day classrooms with a connection to experts and tools in labs at institutions where cutting-edge research is being performed."

• Remote Access Connection.  See the video.
• NanoTools Available.  Links to instruments at multiple sites: SEM, EDS, EPMA, AFM, Profilometer, UV Spectrophotometer, Confocal Microscope, FTIR, XRF
• Nanowire. RAIN Newsletter.
• Laboratory Guides. 7 Powerpoint presentations including Geology Mineral Lab that uses standard hand sample mineral identification methods and SEM/EDS mineral determination.

Teacher Professional Development NACK webinars; Penn State Center for Nanotechnology Utilization webinar series; archived webinars 2009-2021 or visit the NACK YouTube channel that has 31 presentations posted.

• K-12 Resources. Glossary, Introductory Level Modules, Introductory Level Activities, Multimedia; High School Level Nanotech Academy Activities; High School Level Experiments; Remote Access and Video Learning Modules (registered users)