This short, documentary-style animation is an excellent children’s primer for basic molecular science and some advanced physics applications. Using simple examples and cutting-edge materials science, the narrator (Imogen Wilde) guides viewers through the world of the very (very) small. It begins with an explanation of atoms and the physics that helps us understand them and ends with practical modern applications in scientific fields and a glossary of definitions to help direct kids towards further topics that may interest them.
In between are a variety of interesting and educational examples and allegories that help children understand the building blocks of reality in a fun, friendly, and comprehensible way. Written by Dr. Jess Wade and Illustrated in a modern but timeless style by Melissa Castrillion, Nano is a useful teaching tool for younger children in classrooms, at the library, and at home. This title is a highly valuable film resource for teachers.
The friendly illustration of Nano was one of its major strengths. Even children uninterested in the science or educational aspects of this short film will enjoy the busy art style and colorful backgrounds. The first segment is the best, simplifying the basics of atomic science in a way that children aged 4-8 might easily digest that doesn’t rely on poor analogy or outdated modeling.
The vast majority of the video is factual and highly educational, but there are several moments that present mistaken information. One statement which stood out was “the air in a hot air balloon is helium.” This struck me as especially bizarre to find in a book written by a Ph.D. in Physics: Hot air balloons use the trapped convection of heated air to rise, not another concentrated gas. There are a few slip-ups like this which are frustrating compared to how well Nano dives into some of the deep-science and career aspects of nanomaterials and their production. In spite of these issues, Nano: The Spectacular Science of the Very (Very) Small is recommended for children's collection development and teaching science with film. Aud: K, E, P.