IIN hosts 17th annual All Scout Nano Day

EVANSTON, Ill.—More than 80 Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Scouts and Venture Crew members, along with their parents, participated in the 17th Annual All Scout Nano Day, hosted by the International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN), on Saturday, April 6, at Northwestern University.

Conceived by Michael Kleppinger, Northrup Grumman engineer and assistant scoutmaster, with help from Eagle Scout and Northwestern Professor Richard Van Duyne, the annual event has provided more than 1,600 scouts with an inspirational introduction to nanotechnology.

All Scout Nano Day includes presentations by graduate students and professors on “What is Nanotechnology?” and “Being a Scientist,” demonstrations of high-end laboratory equipment, and hands-on activities that illustrate nanoscience concepts. It also includes an informational session for parents on how to encourage and support their children’s interest in science and engineering. Each troop is also invited to present a poster (prepared in advance) on a nanotechnology concept or discovery. A team of graduate student reviews the posters for content and creativity. The day concludes with a pizza party and poster award ceremony.  The innovative All Scout Nano Day program has proven successful in encouraging children and adolescents to further their education in science and engineering.  Read more at: iinano.org/all-scout-nano-day.

The International Institute for Nanotechnology at Northwestern University is an umbrella organization that represents and unites more than $1 billion in nanotechnology research, education and supporting infrastructure.