Connecting with the Public on ‘Nano’ – Lessons from a Demo Using Ouzo and Laser Pointers

Abstract

The general public is typically positive towards ‘Nano’, but often have limited and anecdotal information from which to draw informed conclusions. We present lessons learned from a new demonstration for 1-on-1 and small group science expo table use that appears to captivate and lead to active learning for ages seven to adult. ‘Making Nanoparticles with Ouzo’ covers: 1. issues in measuring and seeing small particles; 2. light as having wave properties with wavelengths in the nm range; 3. using green (510 nm) and red (650 nm) laser pointers as ‘rulers’; 4. using the liqueur Ouzo (a blend of water, alcohol and water insoluble anethole oil) to illustrate and ‘illuminate’ nanoparticles invisible to the naked eye; 5. demonstrating that the anethole particles do not initially scatter laser light, but do as water is added and particle sizes increase; 6. allowing a visitor to ‘make nanoparticles’ by warming up a cold dispersion of cloudy anethole particles (micron size) in warm water until they vanish.

Although a lot of information is presented, a surprising amount of it seems to stick, if it is presented and built in story form from widely appreciated concepts, with samples and props people can see and hold, and with a few diagrams and written descriptions.