NanoDays at Museum of Science

Explore the world from a nano perspective at the Museum of Science!

If you see the prefix 'nano' in front of a word, think super super small... 'Nano' means one billionth, or 1/1,000,000,000. In most cases it used to describe a measurement that is tiny beyond human perception. NanoDays is a nationwide celebration of nanoscale science, and you're invited! Come celebrate at the Museum of Science and enjoy nano-related activities throughout the Exhibit Halls, including the special events listed below.

Ever wondered about the weird world of quantum mechanics? Spooky action at a distance? Superposition? Quantum computing? Well, dive right in at the Museum’s 2019 NanoDays with a Quantum Leap celebration! Come explore worlds too small to see: nano science plus quantum science and their latest applications. Cheer on your favorite quantum idols at the 2019 National Quantum Matters Science Communication Competition Finals. This year, zany, brainy folks from around the country will entice you into the wonders of quantum with spectacular 3-minute talks and hands-on activities. Bring a guest; bring your whole family!

  • Explore Hands-On Nano
    • Have fun exploring nanoscience concepts with scientists and engineers.
  • Special Presentations
    • Watch live presentations by leading researchers and learn how they use nanotechnology to tackle real-world engineering problems.
  • The Amazing Nano Brothers Juggling Show
    • Join virtuoso performers Dan and Joel as they provide a comic and unforgettable introduction to atoms, molecules, and nanoscale forces while juggling everything from baseball bats to potted plants — even while atop seven-foot unicycles!
  • Hands-On Fun!
    • Meet young nano and quantum researchers from Harvard, MIT, and other local universities, and explore hands-on activities all around the Museum.
  • Discover Nano in Nature
    • Visit the Butterfly Garden (Blue Wing, Level 2) to learn about the tiny nanostructures that give beautiful colors to butterfly wings and self-cleaning properties to leaves. Purchase of separate timed ticket required for entrance.
  • Nano, Bio and You!
    • Wonder what nanotechnology has to do with biology? Find out about bacteria-busting nanosilver and gecko-inspired adhesives and and how they might impact your life. Learn the science and weigh in with your opinion.
  • You're the Nanoscientist!
    • Visit our Hands-On Laboratory to explore nanoscale science and engineering through hands-on activities and learn how nanoscientists are creating new materials and technologies.

NanoDays at the Museum of Science is sponsored by the Center for Integrated Quantum Materials headquartered at Harvard University, MIT, Howard University and the Museum of Science; by the Scalable Nanomanufacturing Research project headquartered at The Ohio State University; and by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network headquartered at the Museum of Science.

When: 
Saturday, April 6, 2019 11am-4:30pm
Phone: 
617.723.2500
Brookwood School Summer Program for kids Pre-K through 9 in Manchester Massachusetts

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Barnyard Story Hour at Appleton Farms

Kids can meet the barnyard animals and hear a story at Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts.
Barnyard stories really come alive when you get to see the main characters in real life! Bring the kids down to Appleton Farms for our farm-fresh version of story time. Explore the farmstead, visit our learning garden, see our cows and rabbits, and find a spot to play under a shady tree in our...
10:30 am to 11:30 am

Wednesday, January 28

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Thursday, January 29

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Friday, January 30

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Kidleidoscope at Breakheart Reservation

Kidleidoscope is a program designed for preschoolers at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus Massachusetts
Come join our park interpreter for a story time and nature walk! Complete a small craft and explore the woods! Walks are gently paced and approximately 1 mile, though not accessible for strollers. Appropriate for families with children 3-5 years old. Meet at the Visitor Center.
10:30 am to 11:30 am

Unraveling Winters Wild Tales - Animal Tracking for Families

Kids will learn about tracks and signs and how they can tell a story at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield Massachusetts!
Welcome to the wild world of animal tracking! Participants will learn how to identify animal tracks by focusing on key details such as number of toes, toenail impressions, and overall size of the print.
3:00 pm to 4:30 pm

Saturday, January 31

Superbowl of Birding 2026

The Superbowl of Birding 2026 is a unique competition conducted in Rockingham County, NH, and Essex County, Massachusetts
The Superbowl of Birding is a unique competition conducted in Rockingham County, NH, and Essex County, MA. During a 12-hour period, teams of birders of all ages and abilities seek to amass the greatest number of avian species, to earn the most points based on the rarity of the birds recorded. Teams...
5:00 am to 5:00 pm

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Nice n' Easy Hike at Breakheart Reservation

Nice and Easy winter hike at Breakheart Reservation in Saugus Massachusetts
Join the Park Interpreter for this weekly guided hike! Each trip will highlight natural and historic features unique to Breakheart. Hikes are moderately paced and range from 2-3 miles over sometimes uneven and rocky terrain. Best for ages 8 years and up. Meet at the Visitor Center.
9:30 am to 11:30 am

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike

CraneOutdoors: The Castle Hill Hike at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Massachusetts
Come explore the lesser-visited corners of Castle Hill and its surroundings with us this season. This hike is a CraneOutdoors guide favorite because it’s got a little bit of all the things that make the Crane Estate such a special place…
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Animal Tracks | Family Nature Series

Essex County Greenbelt teams up with North Shore Nature Programs for a wildlife hike in Ipswich Massachusetts!
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This event with North Shore Nature Programs is geared toward families of all ages who would like to learn about the signs and tracks that animals leave behind!  We will explore outdoors and look at tracks, chewed sticks, scat, nests, beaver constructions and more! Waterproof and warm...
10:00 am to 11:30 am