The successful STEM education project “SimplyNano 2” is making its way to the canton of Nidwalden, which is introducing the innovative learning medium. All secondary schools in Nidwalden and the Kanti have been equipped with class sets of the experiment kits. The teachers completed an introductory course at Frey Stans – and did so with great enthusiasm!

Experiment – Marvel – Learn

Why do babies lie dry in diapers? How does the lotus effect work on the rain jacket? With nanotechnology! It is the science of the very small and is regarded as the technology of the future par excellence. The aim is to get young people interested in science subjects with everyday nano-experiments. From this school year, the new SimplyNano 2 experiment kits will be available for experimentation in Nidwalden’s upper secondary schools. It is a new type of learning medium with 41 exciting experiments, a learning workshop and all the necessary materials. The learning medium can be used in nature and technology lessons, in project weeks or in the promotion of gifted children. Experience from other cantons has been very positive.

Teachers experiment at Frey Stans

Interested teachers were given an introduction to the new learning media on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. The half-day course took place at Frey Stans. Frey Stans cable car control systems are used to transport people safely and comfortably to the most beautiful places in the world, in line with the guiding principle: “Moving people with technology”. At the Stans site, the teachers were able to experience the development and production of new ropeway control systems up close on a tour. “We have local roots in Central Switzerland, but our ropeway control systems are at home all over the world,” said Graziella Planzer, HR Manager at Frey Stans. This continues to require technically enthusiastic young talent. “We train 4 apprentices in the fields of electronics and automation,” explained Ivo Glanzmann, who is responsible for vocational training. The teachers took away valuable input for their technically interested students. This networking between schools and local training companies is one of the aims of the SimpyNano project. The aim is to make an active contribution to combating the shortage of skilled workers in technical professions.

Experiments awaken a spirit of research

In the main part of the course, the 19 teachers had the opportunity to carry out the nano experiments themselves and test the learning media. ” The experimentation awakened my spirit of research and my curiosity. I think this will also be the case with the young people,” was the feedback from one teacher. The experiments with a high degree of relevance to everyday life and the accompanying learning materials inspired the participants. It was appreciated that the course was very practical and that the materials were “ready to use” in the classroom. The experiment kits and the courses are free of charge for the schools. The project in Central Switzerland is financed by a broad-based sponsorship from companies, foundations and associations(over 40 partners). Further SimplyNano projects are planned in the cantons of Berne, Fribourg and Schaffhausen. The experimental kits will then be used throughout German-speaking Switzerland.

Source: Innovation Society

Image source: Innovation Society