Exploring Societal Implications of Nanotechnology

1. Note: The following presentation gives a brief overview of the NanoVenture rules. However, this presentation is not comprehensive. Players are encouraged to read the rules completely before play, or to consult the rules during game play for additional information. Length of presentation: 10 minutes

2. Exploring Societal Implications of Nanotechnology Developed by UW-Madison MRSEC Interdisciplinary Education Group

3. New Technologies Hard to foresee all potential uses, benefits, and drawbacks. Different groups use technologies in different ways.

4. Monopoly-style game Winner determined by being last player standing or by having the greatest net worth. Style of play

5. Your Role • As ruler of a new country, you must: • Make decisions about industrial expansion, military defense, the economy and scientific research. • Decide when to invest in nanotechnologies. • Make policy decisions. • Maintain a high public approval rating. YOU!

6. Budget Management Each ruler starts with $145m: 25- $5million budget chips 20 - $1million budget chips Before starting game play, rulers must divide their $145m budget amongst four agencies: Environment Industry Military Science $5 million can be transferred each turn. Earned money can be added to any agency.

7. Players opt to purchase Nano Developments and learn about new technologies. Development cost is inter-agency. Opponents must pay Access Costs if they land on the development. Access costs can vary: Answering a content question decreases access cost by half. Owning a Nano-Cluster doubles an opponent’s access cost. Nano Developments

8. Nano Decisions Players determine research investments and face the consequences (as determined by a roll of the dice).

9. Popularity chips As a ruler of the country, popularity with your constituents is very important. Game starts with 80% approval rating. • A player drops out of the game if approval rating goes to 0%. • Approval rating is influenced by decisions made on decision cards and other squares on the game board.

10. Set up • 25- $5 million budget chips • 20 - $1million budget chips

11. Getting Started • Select a banker. • Set your budget. • Roll the dice to determine who goes first (highest roll). • If you land on a…. • Development square: Decide if you want to buy it or not. After purchasing, read the card aloud to the other players. • Decisions square: Read the card and choose a decision. Roll the dice to determine the consequences. • Other square: follow the directions on the square. • Each time you pass “Start of Fiscal Year”, collect $20m. • If approval rating is 100%, collect $5m extra from the bank • If approval rating is <40%, lose $5m to the bank.

12. Determining a Winner Two possibilities: Last ruler standing OR Tally up your net worth: • Development cards (use cost) • $5m for each  • Total monetary assets