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Theme of This Quarter's Newsletter
Hello, Sparkin’ STEM family! We can't believe that it's June already. Time is passing quickly, especially during this lockdown. The theme of this month is “Nano-technology.” You must have heard of the term, seen a piece of tech from the field in sci-fi films, or read about it in books. When people see Iron-man suit up on the big screens they are often mistaken about what it is and how it works. We will be clearing these misconceptions and helping you understand the field of “Nano-technology” and its application in the real world, as well as its future.
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(Medical Device Network, 2020)
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Learn about the basics about Nano-tech in simple words.
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Nanotechnology was first introduced in 1959 by Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman. He proposed using normal-sized robots to construct smaller replicas of themselves and then using the new set to manufacture an even smaller set - until the molecular scale was reached. It is widely accepted that nanotechnology could revolutionize our lives over the next 20 years. Particular fields include disease identification and cure, drug discovery and delivery, environmentally friendly renewable energy sources, and ultra-high-speed mobile telecommunications.
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Cool Applications of the Tech
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Nanotech and its applications are unlimited. The field is relatively new and so much still has yet to be discovered or applied. Currently, scientists are working on an exciting project to engineer an invisibility cloak. Nanotube sheets at extreme temperatures cause light to bend away from objects.
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(Sydney Morning Herald, 2014)
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Challenge of This Quarter's Newsletter:
In the month of June, we challenge you to unscramble five words, all related to nanotechnology. These words have been mentioned throughout the newsletter, either in a description, or a video. Once you unscramble as many words as possible, submit a screenshot in the form attached. Students who unscramble the most number of words in the least amount of time will be awarded an online certificate! Submissions are due August 15th, 2021. Good luck!
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1. A nanometre (nm) is a billionth of a meter or a millionth of a millimeter.
("Nanoscience, Physics & Chemistry of Advanced Materials," 2013)
2. The word nano is from the Greek word 'Nanos' meaning Dwarf. It is a prefix used to describe "one billionth" of something.
("Nanoscience, Physics & Chemistry of Advanced Materials," 2013)
3. Fingernails grow one nanometer per second (which is equal to 10-9 or 0.000,000,001 meter).
("Some Fun Facts About #Nanotechnology," 2015)
4. About 20,000 researchers around the world are working in nanotechnology-related jobs.
("Some Fun Facts About #Nanotechnology," 2015)
5. We are already surrounded by billions of nano-particles, such as wind-borne sea salt and chemicals generated by oceanic plankton.
("Nanoscience, Physics & Chemistry of Advanced Materials," 2013)
6. Nanotechnology is already applied commercially in products ranging from mobile phones, computer discs, tennis rackets, and golf clubs to sunscreens and cosmetics.
("Nanoscience, Physics & Chemistry of Advanced Materials," 2013)
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Project Blast-off was a 2-day STEM event held on May 22nd and 23rd. It was made for students to put their STEM skills to the test and go on a space journey with their invention to the desired planet for the continuation of the human species!
Spoiler: It was a HUGE success! Throughout the event, students were able to research, design, experiment, and tackle challenges working to deepen their understanding of STEM and its impact on our world!
Few out of the world statistics:
- 15 Teams
- 60 Attendees
- 20 Executive Members Assisting
- 45% of our participants were female-identifying
- Almost $50 in prizes!
From the entire Sparkin’ STEM team, we thank all the attendees for making this event more memorable than ever. We hope to see you soon!
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Check out our Recap Video for Project Blast-Off !!
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Sparkin’ STEM and Youth Culture Inc.
Partnership
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Hello families! Sparkin' STEM is proud to announce its new partnership with Youth Culture Inc.! Youth Culture Inc. is an organization that bridges the gaps between youth and industry through a diversity and inclusion lens. Launched during COVID-19, Youth Culture provides engaging and meaningful opportunities for youth to connect with industry professionals, learn about innovation, and share their voices on relevant topics. This year Youth Culture and Sparkin' STEM have decided to form a partnership to bring more exciting and constructive opportunities to you! Please make sure to share this news with your friends who may be in high school, as Youth Culture hosts events and workshops that target high school students' growth. Please stay tuned for more exciting announcements and opportunities from Sparkin' STEM and Youth Culture. For more information please visit
sparkinstem.ca youthculture.com
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Hello STEM Enthusiasts!
Get ready for Sparkin’ STEM’s second live initiative, Forensic Face-Off! Join us for a 2-hour event that will allow you to step into the shoes of a real-life forensics scientist. Forensic Face-Off will help to build the skills of problem-solving, logic, and critical thinking. Solve a real life-based case through meticulous investigation and learn more about the science behind forensics investigation. You don’t want to miss out on this, we hope to see you there scientists!
Who: Open to all students in grades 5-8
When: August 5, 2021, from 1:30 - 3:30 PM EST
Where: Held virtually, via Zoom!
Registrations have opened, so sign up at bit.ly/forensicfaceoff
Sincerely,
Sherlock Holmes
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We're excited to bring you and your child new content for 2021! We wish the Sparkin' STEM family the best going forward in the current climate due to COVID-19. Please be safe and practice social distancing. Use the free time that you have to complete the challenges, learn new skills, and expand your knowledge. Remember: "Time Waits for No-one." Please email us if you have any questions about our initiatives or the newsletter topics discussed.
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Make sure to share this with your family and friends allowing them to access our content.
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