As part of the “SimplyNano Project Central Switzerland”, a SimplyNano 2 experimentation course was held at the Geistlich Pharma site in Root on October 30, 2024. 17 teachers were inspired by the SimplyNano experiments. While experimenting independently, they were given lots of ideas on how to inspire their pupils to learn through research.

How does the lotus effect work?

The SimplyNano 2 experiment kits are designed to inspire young people in the upper grades for science and technology (NT). A total of 41 experiments relating to nanotechnology can be carried out with the SimplyNano 2 learning media. NT teachers from Lucerne and Zug were given lots of practical tips on how they can make the best use of the SimplyNano experiment kits in their lessons. They were able to carry out the individual experiments on their own in an obstacle course. They enthusiastically examined the self-cleaning effect of lotus leaves or tested the adhesion of a cell phone to the gecko pad. A smoke detector was used to explore the Tyndall effect. The teachers particularly enjoyed trying out the experiments themselves. “Very practice-oriented”, “exciting experiments with a wow effect” and “great documents” were the feedback from participants. With little material effort, pupils can be inspired to learn through research.

A guest at Geistlich

The course took place at the Geistlich Pharma AG site in Root. In addition to gaining an insight into the company, the teachers also received exciting information about the apprenticeships that are offered at Geistlich in Root and Wolhusen. Geistlich Pharma is a pioneer in bone and tissue refinement and develops materials for the natural and rapid regeneration of cartilage, bone and tissue. “Thanks to our high Swiss quality standards, Geistlich has been able to position itself as a global leader in regenerative medicine. Science was and is extremely important to us,” said Nikola Janevski, Manager Corp. Communications at Geistlich. The teachers were very interested in the career opportunities the company has to offer for young people. “It was exciting to hear what is now behind the former “glue factory”,” commented one teacher.

“Half-time” in the SimplyNano project in Central Switzerland

The training course was the fifth of a total of ten courses in Central Switzerland. The remaining course dates have also met with great interest and are already fully booked. As part of the “Central Switzerland” project, 90 upper secondary schools in the cantons of LU, ZG, NW, OW, UR and GL are being equipped with class sets of more than 1,000 SimplyNano 2 experiment kits. The learning media and courses are free of charge for the schools.

Broad support from more than 40 partners

The project is financed by a broad sponsorship from companies, foundations, associations and cantons. The support of over 40 project partners from various sectors underlines the importance of promoting science and technology in schools and encouraging young talent in these professions. Geistlich Pharma also supports the project as a partner.

Source: Innovation Society
Image source: Innovation Society
31.10.2024
Ricarda Zech