Nanotechnology The Power of Small

Television

Panelists in a televized discussion about nanotechnologyNanotechnology: The Power of Small is a three-part television series that provides its audiences with an opportunity to examine the implications of nanotechnology for privacy, the environment, and human health. The series, which was produced with funding from the NSF Informal Science Education program (#0452371), began airing during NanoDays 2008, a week of community-based educational outreach programs about nanotechnology organized by the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net).

In the series, panels of policy makers, scientists, journalists, and community leaders, moderated by John Hockenberry of National Public Radio, consider societal, ethical, legal, and environmental implications of a series of hypothetical scenarios:

  • "Watching You Watching Me" explores applications of nanotechnology to national security and possible implications for privacy rights.
  • "Clean, Green, and Unseen" discusses the potential of nanotechnology for reducing environmental pollution, possible risks of environmental damage from loose nanoparticles, and the problems of regulating a technology whose long-term effects are essentially unknown.
  • "Forever Young" delves into issues of medical care, enhancement of the human body, and lifespan extension that may some day be possible via nanotechnology.

The Power of Small targeted an audience of decision makers and opinion leaders as well as those interested in public policy and adults in general. The series employs an approach developed by pioneering newsman Fred Friendly executive producer of CBS Reports from 1959 to 1964. Friendly encouraged informed conversations about significant issues of the day like tobacco and lung cancer. The Power of Small was produced in collaboration with Fred Friendly Seminars, ICAN Productions, and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The Center for Curriculum Innovation (CCI) and ScienceView at the Lawrence Hall of Science developed a viewers' guide and created a website  to complement the television program and encourage public discussion. Radio spots on the nationally syndicated program Earth & Sky and a series of Clear Voices for Science podcasts have further extended the series’ reach.

By late 2009,  The Power of Small had reached more than 75 million television households, nearly 84 percent of the United States, and the series was still being broadcast throughout the public television network.