Learning with Nanodots

Vision

Welcome to the exciting world of Nanodots - where education, science and creative play all blur together. Every day people are discovering new applications using Nanodots. These discoveries range from realizing that exactly 7 nanodots form a perfect filled circle, to applying their use in holding screws on screwdrivers. What's amazing is that each discovery relates to a fundamental principle of geometry, math, science, magnetism... and the list goes on. Wouldn't it be great if we were able to teach these fundamental principles through the course of play? How far can just a few nanodots take us?

Program

We are excited to offer a workshop program for schools and science centers across North America. The program was created to enhance the students’ learning experience when it comes to science. Nanodots will encourage participants to use imagination and think outside the box in an exercise of mind and matter. They serve as an educational aid that allows students to intuitively question size, shape, the relative position of figures and properties of space. Mimicking natural principles of point-shape geometry, Nanodots are an ideal medium for rich visual demonstrations of particle interactions, magnetic fields, molecular structures, laws of physics, and much more.

Geometric Concepts are inherent in the Discovery Process of Nanodots

The underlying versatility of Nanodot construction comes from two main factors; the first is the consistency in dimension of each dot, and the second is the consistency of strength. Nanodots are engineered to exacting levels of precision for the purpose of geometric modeling and the evaluation of mathematical models. This degree of precision is only possible from the years of magnetic engineering expertise by the engineers at Nano Magnetics.

Playing with Nanodots may lead to the discovery of concepts such as:

• Geometric properties of lines, regular triangles, squares, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, etc.
• Lattice creation, orientation and assembly
• Three-dimensional polytopes
• Three-dimensional geometric symmetry
• Two-dimensional geometric symmetry
• Non-convex polyhedral (Kepler-Poinsot Polyhedra)
• Aspects of degenerate geometry
• Tessellation of normal, and irregular shapes
• The property of prime numbers in relation to point-shape geometry
• Molecular packing; the packing of spheres
• Cubic packing, hexagonal close packing, etc.
• Structural rigidity of regular and irregular polygons as single units and in arrays
• Types of point-shape connections; in-line (cubic) or staggered (hexagonal)
• Properties of magnets and bi-polar configurations
• The property of regular spheres
• Nomenclature of geometric solids, lattices, and other configurations
• Formation of solid and hollow platonic solids
• The properties and significance of platonic solids
• Tessellation and iterations of platonic solids (Euclidean 3-space)
• Euclidian tiling
• Permutation of point-group shapes in 2d and 3d
• Formation, permutation and improvisation of Archimedean Solids
• Stellations of plutonic and Archimedean solids
• The inherent geometry of Metatron’s cube, and the "circle of life"
• Fractals and recursive geometry in 2d and 3d space
• Exploration of Poincare disc geometry through the normal assembly of heptagons, also related to the discovery of the properties of hyperbolic tiling
• Exploration of Compact Euclidean uniform tessellations (the 28 tessellations found in natural crystalline formations)
• Exploration of alternated cubic honeycombs as discovered by Alexander Gram Bell and rediscovered by Buckminister Fuller
• Advanced concepts: an examination of "Synergetica" by Buckminister Fuller
• And more yet to be discovered!

Get in Touch

Whether you are a teacher, professor, or program administrator, let your students experiment with the dots in an endless number of creative ways, whether you decide to host activities, contests, or assignments. Make each session a fun experience that is guaranteed to capture everyone's attention and boost participation.

Learn how your institution may participate in the Nanodots education program by filling out our contact form. We look forward to working with you to deliver a memorable scientific experience for every student.

Associations

Nano Magnetics is a member of the Canadian Toy Association.