Application.
Project Descriptions.
Contact Information.
Project Descriptions
2004-2005
Prototype Development
Probe Microscopy Exhibit. Two exhibit prototypes were built in 2004-2005. The first exhibit prototype is designed to teach visitors about an important set of tools called probe microscopy that scientists use to see objects at the nanoscale. Probe microscopes work by feeling various properties of an object and creating an image of the object based on those properties. The exhibit features interactive activities that mimic essential aspects of how probe microscopes work and challenge visitors' problem-solving skills.
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Force
Microscopy |
Liquid Crystal Exhibit. The second exhibit prototype focuses on liquid crystals. Liquid crystals are a unique material in that they maintain their orientation, like a solid, but can also move around to different position, like the molecules in a liquid. Liquid crystals are sensitive to various stimuli, such as heat, chemicals, or electric currents, which cause the molecules to shift. This change in orientation can be seen as a color change visible to the naked eye. Visitors learn the basic properties of liquid crystals as well as applications of them through interactive features, including a user-controlled liquid crystal heat sensor.
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Liquid
Crystal Exhibit |
Full Exhibit Concept. The two kiosk-style exhibit prototypes are designed to be parts of a larger exhibit on nanotechnology. Click on the links below to learn about the full-concept exhibit and follow the design evolution of the liquid crystal and scanning probe microscopy exhibit prototypes.
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Full Exhibit Concept - under construction |
More information and activities on liquid crystals and scanning probe microscopy are available through the UW MRSEC Interdisciplinary Education Group.
Formative Evaluation
The exhibit prototypes were tested at two seperate campus outreach events held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The observations made at these events were used to modify both the content and design of the exhibits to make them more effective and assessed the overall effectiveness of the exhibits. For detailed information on the assessments and for results, follow the links below.
For information on other nanotechnology exhibits from UW MRSEC and the Discovery World Museum, click here.