Education & Outreach
nano@stanford supports educators, students, researchers, and the public through tours, professional development programs, outreach programs, and beyond. We hope to develop and propagate a national model for educational practices that will help students and visitors become knowledgeable and proficient users of the nanofacilities. This page provides details about our teacher professional development programs, community college internships, free online learning content, SEI resources, and links to meet a STEM superhero.
What is nano?
Nanotechnology is the science and engineering of small things, 1-100 nanometers. At this small scale, surprising things happen which gives researchers new tools to investigate problems and find solutions! The ability to create materials and devices at the nanoscale has applications in every area of life, from more effective medicines to ultrafast communications and cleaner fuels.
Nano for K-14 Teachers
Nanoscience Summer Institute for Middle School Teachers (NanoSIMST)
(a paid professional development opportunity)
nano@stanford supports professional development for middle school teachers to increase access to high quality STEM curriculum utilizing nanoscience concepts. We offer paid NanoSIMST experiences every summer: one virtual option and one in-person option. Engage your students with the tiny size but mighty power of nanotechnology to improve our world!
Nano Resources for K-14 Educators
nano@stanford has curated a collection of nanoscience related activities, news items, and links to help K-14 educators spread the joy of nano in their classrooms.
Nano resources for K-14 teachers
Community College Internships
nano@stanford offers paid internships for local community college students in the Bay Area. Learn how small things are made and seen at the nanoscale and microscale, while gaining experience in a cleanroom! The nanofacilities are used for cutting edge research, in areas including electronics, MEMS, optics, physics, biology/biotechnology, medicine, and chemistry.
Learn more about our internships
Micro-Internships for Foothill College Students
The Foothill Science Learning Institute STEM Micro-Internship program is a paid opportunity for Foothill College students to work closely with a Stanford mentor on a discrete research project for one quarter.
Stanford partners with community colleges
From social science to neuroscience, students are exploring academic paths they might not have contemplated without access to research institutions like Stanford. Learn more about our program in this YouTube video!
Online Learning Content
nano@stanford edX Course
This free online course hosts training materials for users and the public to learn about nanofabrication & characterization.
Access nano@stanford's edX content
nano@stanford YouTube Channel
Our YouTube channel provides additional educational content. Click on the YouTube icon to watch instrument trainings, tour our facilities, and learn how scientists use our facilities in a wide array of research areas from medical sensing to new materials development!
Access the nano@stanford YouTube channel
STEM Superheroes!
Meet a STEM superhero! STEM Superheroes work in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Our superheroes celebrate STEM by empowering and inspiring the younger generation. Webinars are hosted live and recordings are posted online.
Access our STEM superhero materials
Societal and Ethical Implications (SEI) of Nanotechnology
Please visit our SEI website to view a learning module that addresses ethical considerations in scientific research and for information about reporting SEI-related concerns at Stanford.