The final course of “SimplyNano 2” project in central Switzerland took place in Emmen at RUAG AG. The long-established Swiss company provided insights into the company and its vocational training program. Afterwards, 20 senior school teachers from the Central Switzerland region and two apprentices from the host company were inspired by the “SimplyNano 2” experiments.
Nano experiments with everyday relevance
Nanotechnology is an integral part of our everyday lives – be it in plastics, surface coatings or textiles. As nanoparticles are invisible to the naked eye, the “SimplyNano 2” experiments provide a practical approach to awakening interest in these tiny particles and their special properties. In the main part of the course, the 20 high school teachers from the Central Switzerland region and the two students from RUAG AG carried out the nano experiments themselves and tested the learning materials. Experiments with direct relevance to everyday life were particularly popular, such as the diaper experiment with super-absorbent nanomaterials or the gecko effect, which made adhesive forces visible. The immediate applicability of the materials in the classroom was particularly appreciated by the teachers.
Teachers experiment with superabsorbents made from baby diapers (Emmen, February 5, 2025 – Photo: Oliver Pütz)
A guest at RUAG AG
The host of the course, RUAG, is a technology partner of the Swiss Armed Forces. The Emmen site mainly maintains aircraft – jets and helicopters – for the Swiss Armed Forces. The company trains around 70 apprentices. If all locations in Switzerland are included, this figure rises to 209. A total of 15 apprenticeships are offered at RUAG. Sascha Küttel, Head of Vocational Training Central Switzerland, introduced the company in his presentation. In the second part, two apprentices presented the various training professions. They explained the requirements, further training opportunities and their own experiences at RUAG as a training company. This created a practical link between science, education and the professional world.
Broad support from more than 40 partners
The experimental kits and the associated courses are made available to schools free of charge. The project is financed by a broad network of over forty partners. The “SimplyNano 2” project is already in use in 16 cantons. From fall 2025, the “SimplyNano 2” cases will also be introduced in the cantons of Bern, Fribourg and Schaffhausen. The long-term goal is to establish the experimental kits throughout German-speaking Switzerland.
Source: Innovation Society
Image source: Innovation Society / RUAG
12.02.2025, Marlon Rauber