TryNano - The NanoQuest: Empowering Girls in STEM through Nanotechnology Exploration - Program Series
The TryNano - The NanoQuest is an engaging program series specifically designed to inspire and empower young girls to explore STEM fields through the exciting world of nanotechnology. Targeted at middle and high school girls, this initiative offers a unique blend of hands-on activities, mentorship, and interactive learning experiences that focus on the fundamental concepts of nanoscience. The program aims to dismantle stereotypes, build confidence, and cultivate a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in a supportive and inclusive environment. By immersing participants in the realm of nanotechnology, TryNano seeks to ignite curiosity and provide a pathway for future innovators and leaders in STEM.
Purpose and Objectives
The primary purpose of TryNano - The NanoQuest is to bridge the gender gap in STEM by providing early exposure to scientific fields traditionally underrepresented by women, particularly in nanotechnology. The program leverages the appeal of nanoscience—a cutting-edge and multidisciplinary domain that intersects physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering—to make STEM accessible and exciting. Its key objectives include:
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Inspiring Interest in STEM: Through captivating activities and real-world applications, the program introduces girls to the fascinating world of nanotechnology, sparking a genuine interest in scientific careers.
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Building Confidence and Skills: By engaging in problem-solving tasks, experiments, and projects, participants gain hands-on experience that enhances critical thinking, collaboration, and technical skills.
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Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: The program strives to create a welcoming space where girls feel encouraged and empowered to pursue STEM fields, free from stereotypes or preconceived biases.
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Providing Mentorship Opportunities: Participants are connected with female mentors and role models working in STEM industries, offering guidance, support, and inspiration for future educational and career choices.
Program Structure and Activities
TryNano - The NanoQuest is structured as a series of workshops, challenges, and collaborative projects that delve into various aspects of nanotechnology. Each session is designed to be interactive and engaging, emphasizing real-world applications and allowing participants to see the tangible impact of STEM in everyday life.
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Introduction to Nanotechnology: The program begins with a foundational overview of nanoscience, explaining concepts such as the nanoscale, unique material properties at the atomic level, and how nanotechnology influences diverse fields like medicine, environmental science, and electronics.
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Hands-on Experiments: Participants are involved in guided experiments that explore phenomena like self-assembly, surface tension, and nano-material synthesis. These activities help demystify complex topics and build core scientific skills.
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NanoQuest Challenges: These problem-solving challenges are designed to stimulate creativity and teamwork. Participants work in groups to design solutions using nanotechnology principles, tackling issues such as water purification, energy storage, and biomedical engineering.
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Career Exploration and Mentorship: Invited guest speakers and mentors from academia and industry share their experiences, provide career insights, and engage in Q&A sessions to discuss the challenges and rewards of working in STEM fields.
Impact and Outcomes
By the end of the NanoQuest series, participants will have gained a deeper understanding of nanotechnology and its potential to address global challenges. More importantly, the program empowers girls to envision themselves as scientists, engineers, and innovators, equipped with the knowledge and confidence to pursue STEM-related educational and career paths.
The TryNano - The NanoQuest is more than a program; it is a movement to redefine the narrative around women in STEM, providing a platform for the next generation of female leaders to shine and shape the future of science and technology.
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
- Date: 23 Sep 2024
- Time: 03:30 AM UTC to 12:30 PM UTC
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- Co-sponsored by Co-sponsored by IEEE NTC, IEEE Hyd SAC, IEEE NTC Young Professionals R10, IEEE NTC TC12 Nanomagnetics, IEEE Hyd NTC SB Chapters, IEEE NTC TC1 Nanorobotics