- In October the center took part in two major science festivals, bringing nanotechnology to the families who visited the stands, especially the youngest, who were fascinated by the world of the infinitely small.
With diverse and colorful experiences that included making nanoparticles and activities with magic sand, balloons, scents and microscopes, the Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA) sparked special interest among visitors to the fair “Futuristas, el Circo de la Ciencia” (set up at Pueblito de Las Vizcachas as part of the Science Festival 2023) and the “II Science Festival” organized by the Faculty of Science of Universidad de Santiago de Chile at the university’s Faculty of Arts and Trades.
With these playful activities, the center sought to bring nanoscience closer to visitors so that, through their senses, they could understand the impact and effects of this discipline in different fields, thanks to the changes materials undergo when worked at the nanoscale.
The first activity took place from October 4 to 8, together with the Ministry of Science and Fundación Encuentros del Futuro. “At our stand we had images of nanoparticles captured with CEDENNA’s electron microscopes and artistically reworked by our researchers and students; we also offered several playful experiences so that children could feel and touch the nanoworld with their own hands. Things as simple as sand which, when coated with a very thin layer of nanoparticles, becomes hydrophobic, that is, it repels water and therefore behaves completely differently from ordinary sand,” said the center’s executive director, Dr. Juan Escrig Murúa.
On Saturday, October 7, Dr. Patricia Díaz, a CEDENNA researcher, taught visitors about the uses and applications of albumin nanoparticles. And not only that: she also guided them in making nanoparticles at the stand, turning them into seasoned scientists for a few minutes.
Each day a CEDENNA researcher was at the stand to guide the children through their experiences and teach them about the nanoworld. The participating scientists included Drs. Luis Costandil, Samuel Baltazar and Daniela Alburquenque from Universidad de Santiago de Chile, together with Max Ramírez and José Rogan from Universidad de Chile.
Music and Science
On Saturday, October 14, CEDENNA also took part in the II Outdoor Science Festival, organized by the USACH Faculty of Science to celebrate its anniversary. Together with more than 40 exhibitors, the center offered different experiences to present nanoscience in a more playful and entertaining way.
In parallel, the public could enjoy two free performances of the Cielos Concert at the university’s Aula Magna. A unique experience that fused science and music through short science outreach talks interwoven with musical works, all supported by a visual show based on images of astronomy made from Chile.
“We believe that both this Science Festival and the concerts we have prepared with such dedication and care are playful spaces that democratize knowledge, allowing us to share our love for science with the community,” said CEDENNA’s director and dean of the Faculty of Science, Dr. Juan Escrig Murúa.
Below, watch a video with part of CEDENNA’s participation in “Futuristas, el Circo de la Ciencia”!
In the next video you can see the children becoming little scientists, making nanoparticles!
