All Scout Nano Day

The International Institute for Nanotechnology (IIN) at Northwestern University is excited to host the annual All Scout Nano Day, continuing a tradition that began with its inaugural event in 2003. Over the past 20 years, more than 1,600 Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Venturing Crew members have visited Northwestern’s campus to delve into the exciting field of nanotechnology. This unique program was envisioned by Michael Kleppinger, a retired Northrop Grumman engineer and assistant scoutmaster, and was brought to life with the support of Prof. Richard Van Duyne, an Eagle Scout and esteemed Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern from 1971 to 2019.

Click HERE to RSVP.

What to Expect:

  • Interactive Presentations: Graduate students and professors will lead engaging discussions on topics such as “What is Nanotechnology?” and “Being a Scientist.”
  • Laboratory Demonstrations: Participants will get a firsthand look at high-end laboratory equipment and explore how groundbreaking research is conducted.
  • Hands-On Activities: Scouts will participate in experiments and activities designed to illustrate key concepts in nanoscience.
  • Parental Information Session: A special session for parents will provide guidance on supporting their children’s interests in science and engineering.
  • Poster Presentations: Troops are encouraged to prepare posters on nanotechnology topics to showcase at the event. A team of graduate students will review these posters for content and creativity.
  • Awards and Celebration: The event will conclude with a pizza party and a poster award ceremony to recognize outstanding work.

Quotes from Past Events: “Over the course of 20 years, 1,600 scouts have participated in this program, learning firsthand about the impact and possibilities of nanotechnology,” said Michael Kleppinger, assistant scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 309 in Lake Zurich. “We’ve seen tremendous enthusiasm from scouts, and the scientists enjoy sharing their passion for research.”

Sarah Petrosko, associate director of the IIN, noted, “With All Scout Nano Day, we’re inspiring young people and showing them that anyone can be a scientist. We hope they consider careers in science and engineering as they grow.”

If you have a Scout Troop interested in participating, please contact Scoutmaster Mike Kleppinger.

Join us on April 12, 2025, for a day filled with discovery, science, and fun!

 

 

All Scout Nano Day Returns After Three-Year Hiatus

In 2023, All Scout Nano Day made its glorious return after a three-year hiatus, and WGN was there to cover it.

Where Are They Now?

In 2016, Kleppinger checked in on the first group of All Scout Nano Day participants to see whether the 2003 event influenced their education and career choices.

He found that many of the students had gone on to attend engineering and science programs at prestigious universities including Stanford, Northwestern, Cornell, Purdue, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Illinois. Today, many of the first All Scout Nano Day participants are working for medical and tech companies throughout the U.S.