200 experimental kits for Schwyz upper schools

Starting this spring, 200 free “SimplyNano 2” experiment kits will be made available to all secondary schools in the canton of Schwyz for nature and technology lessons. The cases with 37 experiments on nanotechnology contain all the documentation, chemicals and materials for the classroom and enable independent experimentation and exploratory learning. Schools will receive their own class sets with several cases and complete documentation. The project is thus already running in ten cantons. Schwyz is the first canton in central Switzerland where all schools are equipped. By 2025, the suitcases should be in use in additional cantons.

Nano experiments with “WOW effect

Nanotechnology is the science of the very small. Because of their special properties, nanomaterials are found in many technical materials but also in many everyday products such as cosmetics, textiles, paints or in medicine. With the harmless and amazing experiments, the learners discover, among other things, how baby diapers with “superabsorbers” absorb extremely large amounts of liquid, why geckos with nano-structures on their feet can climb up walls, or how the “memory effect” works with metals, e.g. in braces. The experiments show the fascinating world of the smallest particles and at the same time present concrete applications in products and materials.

Courses and company insights for teachers

The aim is to promote enthusiasm for science and technology with hands-on experiments and to increase young people’s interest in technical professions. As preparation, half-day courses are held for teachers at companies. The nano-experiments will be performed and the companies and their apprenticeships will be presented. The courses start at the end of April and take place at Victorinox AG in Schwyz, at Garaventa in Goldau and at VERWO in Reichenburg. In addition to technical knowledge, this promotes the exchange between teachers and companies and builds a concrete “bridge” to professional practice.

Support from Asuera and Chorafas Foundation and Schwyz companies

The “SimplyNano 2” cases and the courses are free of charge for the schools. The project is financed by the Asuera and Dimitris N. Chorafas Foundations and supported by the companies Victorinox AG, Garaventa AG and Verwo AG as course hosts. This is an important contribution to the promotion of young technicians in the canton of Schwyz. https://simplynano.ch/projekt/simplynano-2-projekt-schwyz/

Box: SimplyNano project

The “SimplyNano 2” learning medium is published by the SimplyScience Foundation. It was developed by Innovationsgesellschaft, a St. Gallen-based start-up. The project is running in ten cantons, making it one of the most successful Swiss technology promotion projects for schools. It has won the Building Award 2021. https://simplynano.ch/

Partner in the Canton of Schwyz

• Asuera Foundation
• Fondation Dimitris N. Chorafas
• Garaventa AG, Goldau
• VERWO AG, Reichenburg
• Victorinox AG, Schwyz

Contact:
Dr. Christoph Meili
The innovation society
Lerchenfeldstr. 3
CH-9014 St.Gallen

Mob: 076 326 77 97
christoph.meili@innovationsgesellschaft.ch

Publication: Innovation Society

Image source: Innovation Society