'Nano' exhibit opening celebration, Acton, Dec. 7

Imagine and discover an entire world -- that you can't see. The Discovery Museums in Acton will be opening a new exhibit, "Nano," based on the science of nanoscale science, technology and engineering. What happens when things get smaller? Find out in the hands-on, interactive exhibits that invite exploration of nano phenomena and real world applications and implications. At the "Small, Smaller Nano" exhibit, you can play with magnets to explore how materials behave differently at different sizes. At the "Build a Giant Carbon Nanotube" exhibit you can use foam construction pieces to make a large model of a tiny structure called a carbon nanotube. "Where Can You Find Nano?" lets you listen, look, and touch to discover nano all around you. At "Balance our Nano Future," a variety of blocks represent the challenge of trying to create a stable nano world -- can you balance all the blocks on the tippy table? Throughout the Nano exhibit, interactive panels provide information on tiny solutions for big problems, exciting technologies inspired by nature, and different perspectives on nanotechnology. You can also discover nano gold, make a DNA necklace, change the color of a butterfly's wings, play "I Spy Nano" and more. There will be snacks, nano souvenirs to take home and a raffle drawing. The museums will celebrate the opening of Nano during their "First Friday Nights Free!" event on Friday, December 7, from 4:30 to 8:30pm with free admission to both the Children’s Discovery Museum and Science Discovery Museum. The Discovery Museums, 177 Main St., Acton. www.discoverymuseums.org