Where Big Ideas Come in Very Small Packages – Bike Ride

Nano-3For the fifth year in a row, the small town of Rushford, in Southeast Minnesota will become the place where big ideas come in very small packages, are unveiled – as the Rushford Institute for NanoTechnology (RINTek) hosts its Annual Nano/Emerging Technology Day on Saturday, June 14, 2014,  at Rushford-Peterson High School (Map).

A bike ride, a free youth Nano Camp and a free public conference will make for a full day of action and learning for all ages. Advance registration for the day’s events is encouraged. Visit rintek.org to download the registration form.

Nanotek Trek Bike Ride
Nanotek_trek_logo_v2The day begins at 7 a.m. with a fundraising bicycle ride, the Nanotek Trek, where riders can choose routes from 10 to 50 miles through the spectacular Root River valley. A suggested contributions of $25, for ages 15 and older and $10 age 10-15 are asked; Under 10 is free. Preregistration is requested, but not required

Youth Nano Camp
The Youth Nano Camp is offered from 9 a.m. to 12 noon for middle and high school students and includes hands-on activities and a complimentary lunch box.  Liquid magnets, gold nanoparticles, making crystals and robotics are just a few of the intriguing topics that will be explored in this day camp. Cost is free for students if they register by June 5, 2014.

Emerging Nano Applications and Activities
Open to the public, this conference on Emerging Applications and Activities is offered from 1 to 4 p.m. A range of lectures and activities will take place (all are free and open to the public):
•         Jack Weimerskich, retired TRW engineer, will introduce the conference and activities of the newly formed Emerging Technologies Committee
•         Deb Newberry, director of the Nanoscience Technology program at Dakota County Technical College and the author of The Next Big Thing is Really Small, a best-selling book on nanotechnology, will speak on “Nanotechnology in Unexpected Places”
•         Ann Markegard, Houston High School science teacher, John Benton, RINTek board member and consultant, and Marc Kalis, Southeast Technical electronics instructor, will demonstrate educational activities and opportunities
•         RINTek chair Kevin Klungtvedt will speak on rural nanontechnolgy and new businesses
•         Additional learning opportunities for people interested in education and business development will be available throughout the afternoon.

Advance registration for the Annual Nano/Emerging Technology Day is appreciated at rintek.org, but walk-ins are welcome on the day of the event.

For more information, visit rintek.org, or contact Joyce Iverson, [email protected] , (507) 421-1885 or (507) 864-7698.

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 About RINTek
RINTek is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation headquartered in Rushford, Minnesota. RINTek strives to develop relationships in order to foster the growth of nanotechnology in the area.  We do this by lectures, incubating businesses, supporting K-12 education, establishing contacts at national, state, and local levels, and working with researchers in the industry. We also operate a public nanotech laboratory.
 
About Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical
With a clear mission of “Education for Employment,” Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical provides students a strong foundation for acquiring the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they will need for a lifetime of learning.  Through a grant from the National Science Foundation, Southeast Technical is partnering with RINTek to promote nanotechnology education in rural Minnesota. For more information, visit www.southeastmn.edu.