Closed Captioned
Grades 9-12, College, Adults
Directed by Takahiro Hamano, Tetsuya Itano
Produced by NHK
DVD Purchase $250, Rent $85
US Release Date: 2013
Copyright Date: 2011
DVD ISBN: 1-93777-280-2
Subjects
Biology
Chemistry
Ecology
Environment
Ethics
Humanities
Physical Science
Science
Technology
Society
Sociology
Welcome to Nano City
See how the invisible nano revolution is already at work in our lives--from photocatalytic window coatings that clean themselves to manmade fiber stronger, yet lighter, than steel.
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"This resource is ideal for educators, particularly in its accessibility and lucidity." Dr. Fritz Allhoff, Philosophy, Western Michigan University |
The invisible revolution of nano technology is already at work in our lives... In this first episode Professor Jim Gimzewski from UCLA introduces us to the world of nanomaterials: to photocatalytic coatings that coat walls and windows, so they automatically clean themselves, and to a manmade nano fiber that is stronger yet lighter than steel.
The episode then explores nano's potential role as invisible intelligence in security devices and the impact of ultimate miniaturization, and networking in computers. In Korea, we meet scientists who are working on nano-electronic tags that will revolutionize the tracking of consumer goods. Japanese physicist Dr. Masakazu Aono, is one of the world's leading nanomaterials scientists and he is now collaborating with Professor Jim Gimzewski in an extraordinarily ambitious project--that seems closer to science fiction than contemporary science--the building of artificial neural systems.
The other programs in the series are:
2. More than Human - With nanotechnology medicine could evolve from treating disease to a practice that is predictive, personalized and preemptive.
3. Will Nano Save the Planet? - Environmental problems might be solved by nano solar cells, clean fuel additives, contaminant remediation, but are we creating pollutants more dangerous than the ones we already have?
Reviews
"Welcome to Nano City introduces the pervasive nature of nanotechnology, including its integration into architecture, computing, and security. The disc sagely predicts the coming ubiquity of nanotechnology, as well as the myriad ways that it will be integrated into our cities. This resource is ideal for educators, particularly in its accessibility and lucidity."
Dr. Fritz Allhoff, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Western Michigan University, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics, Australian National University, Author, What Is Nanotechnology and Why Does It Matter: From Science to Ethics
"I certainly plan to use it in my freshman Introduction of Nanoscience class!...This inspirational and clever series should be used in every introductory chemistry, physics, biology, and environmental science class at the college level, not to mention a wide range of classes in various engineering disciplines. In addition, they are wonderfully appropriate for social science classes that look at the interaction of society and technology...Exceptionally well done. Bravo!"
Michael Hochella, Professor of Geosciences, Director of Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
"Nanotechnology has become one of the most exciting areas of research today, attracting many of our most creative scientists and engineers...Yet as with any new technology, there will be trade-offs and unanticipated hazards. As this imaginative and informative film series makes clear, society must grapple with the potential risks as well as the rewards to come from this burgeoning field."
David Kaiser, Department Head, Program in Science, Technology, and Society, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Author, How the Hippies Saved Physics
"Each video highlights career choices in the currently numerous, wide-open fields within the broad scope of nanotechnology and also points out some of the possible dangers and other issues in using nanotechnology. For teachers looking to excite students about the possibilities of science, the series either individually or collectively is a winner...A great addition to the classroom tool box...With the provocative ideas in each video, they have good springboard ideas for discussions or writing prompts...The series demonstrates a great way to integrate science with life. There are no easy answers in the videos, but a weighing of options is suggested."
Steve Canipe, NSTA Recommends
"The Nano Revolution does an excellent job of explaining nanotechnology, as it applies to specific topics, through interviewing nano-scientists working on the cutting edge inventions...Each chapter concludes with a dramatization on how a future society that uses the applications of nanotechnology might look. This does not detract from the scientific research discussed-rather it allows the viewer to imagine the many possible ways that the nanotechnology can be used and think about the potential risks. The Nano Revolution is highly recommended for anyone interested in nanotechnology. It will work very well as an introduction to nanotechnology in senior high school to college level science or engineering courses."
Angela R Davis, The Pennsylvania State University, Educational Media Reviews Online