“SimplyNano 2” is a supplementary learning medium aligned with Curriculum 21, consisting of an experimental kit, a learning workshop and a teacher’s commentary. Starting this school year, the “SimplyNano 2” learning medium will now also be available to all upper school classes in the cantons of Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft and Solothurn for nature and technology lessons. There are 350 cases each for schools in Basel-Land and Solothurn and 200 cases for schools in Basel-Stadt. The case with 37 exciting nano experiments contains all the documentation, chemicals and materials to carry out the experiments.
Nano experiments with “WOW effect
Nanotechnology is the science of the very small. However, because of their special properties, nanomaterials are not only found in science, but also in many everyday products such as cosmetics, textiles, paints and in many novel materials, e.g. in medicine. With the harmless and amazing experiments, the students discover, among other things, how baby diapers with “superabsorbers” absorb extremely large amounts of liquid, how the “memory effect” in braces works, or why geckos with nano-structures on their feet can climb up walls. Thus, the experiments show the fascinating world of the smallest particles and at the same time demonstrate the practical applications in everyday life and technology.
Addressing the shortage of skilled workers as early as at school
Exciting experiments and exploratory learning rather than boring theory are used to foster enthusiasm for science and technology and to increase young people’s interest in technical professions. The schools are thus making an important contribution to combating the shortage of skilled workers. Accompanying cross-cantonal continuing education courses for teachers are held at regional companies. This promotes the exchange of experience between teachers and companies. The experimental kits are already in use in five cantons (ZH, AG, SG, AR, AI). The experience of teachers and students so far has been very good.
Broad support from cantons, companies and foundations
The “SimplyNano2” project and the cases are free of charge for the schools. Half of the project is supported by the cantons or lottery funds and the other half by a broad consortium of foundations, associations and companies.
Partner of the “SimplyNano 2” project in BL, BS and SO https://simplynano.ch/projekt/nw-ch/
- Accentus Foundation
- Agathon AG
- Amgen Switzerland AG
- Employers’ association Basel
- Bachem AG
- Baloise Bank SoBa
- Bärbel & Paul Geissbühler Foundation
- BASF AG
- BLKB Foundation
- Borer Chemistry Ltd
- Bosch AG
- CABB AG
- Chemgo AG
- Clariant Ltd
- The Innovation Society, St.Gallen
- Dimitris N. Chorafas Foundation
- Department of Education Basel-City
- Forlen Foundation
- Fraisa SA
- Geistlich Pharma AG
- Georg H. Endress Foundation
- Herbonis AG
- Gösgen nuclear power plant
- Mathys Medical Ltd
- Mepha AG
- Model Ag
- Novartis AG
- Rotary Club Basel-Wettstein
- Rotary Club Solothurn
- Schaerer AG
- Society of Engineers and Architects (sia)
- SimplyScience Foundation
- Solothurn Chamber of Commerce
- Swiss Nanoscience Institute (Uni Basel)
- Swisslos Fund Basel-Country
- Swisslos Fund Solothurn
- Syngenta AG
Publication: Innovation Society
Image source: Innovation Society