Nanotechnology is a seemingly new and exciting field, and draws considerable public attention. As nanocomposites are one of the most advanced areas within nanotechnology, they represent a gateway opportunity to interest students in applied chemistry. The challenge at the undergraduate level is providing the multidisciplinary background to teach the principles of nanocomposites, which include chemistry, particle size, and characterization, without engaging in a superficial, and therefore ultimately disengaging, survey of nanocomposite technologies. The challenge across all age levels is providing a sense of tactile, practical involvement with esoteric and invisible physical and chemical phenomena occurring on a nanoscopic scale. This talk offers an assessment of the chemical fundamentals supporting nanocomposites, with illuminating visualizations for the phenomena discussed.