General Lab Information

Explore Brookhaven Lab

Open House Summer Sundays 2024. Free! 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Small-scale Science

July 16, 2023

photo of woman working inside the RHIC ring

Small-scale Science | July 16

Scheduled Activities

The Magic of Chemistry (SHOW)

Magic tricks and circus skills help explain atoms, molecules, the elements, compounds, solutions, magnetism, and static electricity in a fun, live show. This show is suitable for all ages.

Noon • 1:30 p.m. • 3 p.m. (1 hour)

Berkner Auditorium

Doors open 15 minutes before showtime. Arrive early. The auditorium may fill up quickly.

Scaling Up for the Very Small (TALK)

How can we power our electronics efficiently and sustainably? Answers to this question—and many others—are waiting to be discovered at the ultra-small nanoscale. Learn how scientists are teaming up on theoretical and computational research for more advanced, efficient electronic devices and, ultimately, a brighter future. This talk is recommended for those ages 10 and older. Presented by Sara E. Mason, Center for Functional Nanomaterials.

11 a.m. (30 minutes)

Hamilton Seminar Room, Chemistry (Bldg. 555)

Machine Learning and Autonomous Material Development (TALK)

Can machine learning, a certain kind of AI, help researchers decide which experiments will help them develop new materials for better batteries, faster computer chips, and other applications? In some ways—but there is more work to be done. Hear from a researcher who created a unique system that connects software and a robot to "tune" new materials with building blocks organized at the nanoscale. This talk is recommended for those ages 10 and older. Presented by Jason Kahn, Center for Functional Nanomaterials.

2 p.m. (45 minutes)

Hamilton Seminar Room, Chemistry (Bldg. 555)

All-Day Activities

Center for Functional Nanomaterials

Visit the Center for Functional Nanomaterials, where researchers probe tiny structures for big discoveries! See electron microscopes and a clean room, where research teams work with advanced materials at the nanoscale and beyond. Build a model molecule. Try “virtual nano reality.” And learn how researchers are using artificial intelligence (AI) and state-of-the-art tools for breakthroughs in clean energy, microelectronics, and quantum and materials science.

* Tour starts in Berkner Hall Room B. Bus transportation is provided to the Center for Functional Nanomaterials. Arrive by 2:30 p.m. for the last bus to the facility.

Berkner Hall, Room B

Hands-on Science, Math, and Art

Enjoy activities like origami, line art, shape building, and microscopes.

Berkner Hall

Key

Bus from Berkner Hall
Walk from Berkner Hall

photo of an audience in Berkner Hall

'Science of Chemistry' Show

photo of girl in white tyvek lab suit

Center for Functional Nanomaterials

photo of kids assembling DNA models

Hands-on Science, Math, and Art

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June 30

Family Fun

at the Science Learning Center
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July 21

Dazzling Discoveries

at the National Synchrotron Light Source II
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Aug. 4

Innovation and the Environment

at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials, National Weather Service
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Sept. 15

Fascinating Physics

at the Superconducting Magnet and Tandem Van de Graaff facilities
  • Free, no reservations needed
  • Gates open 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • All activities, subject to change, are first-come, first-served