The SimplyNano educational project
“SimplyNano” is the world’s first experimental learning medium on nanotechnology for secondary levels l and ll. Exciting experiments and research-based learning are designed to get young people interested in technical professions and specifically promote the next generation of skilled workers. The “SimplyNano” educational project was launched in 2011 by the SimplyScience Foundation.
The learning medium comprises the “SimplyNano 1 and 2” experiment kits as well as accompanying teaching and learning materials. It strengthens practical teaching in the STEM subjects and is based on Curriculum 21.
Further training courses are offered for teachers to ensure optimal use in the classroom. They carry out the experiments themselves and get to know the learning medium. The courses mainly take place in local companies and promote networking between schools and industry.
Since 2012, over 1,000 teachers have been trained to use the first and second generation experiment kits. Cantonal implementation of the “SimplyNano 2” project began in 2018. To date, 497 schools in 16 cantons have been equipped with the learning medium and teachers have been trained to use it in the classroom in 53 further training courses. SimplyNano 2 should be available to all secondary schools in German-speaking Switzerland by 2026.
Funding is provided by a broad partnership of cantons, foundations, associations and companies.
Overview of SimplyNano 2 projects
Ongoing projects
The “SimplyNano 2” project is to be implemented in the canton of Graubünden from spring 2026. Interested secondary schools and grammar schools will be equipped with the experiment kits to inspire pupils with practical experiments for STEM subjects. Half-day training courses will be held for teachers.
Further information can be found on our project website.
With Bern, Fribourg and Schaffhausen, three more German-speaking Swiss cantons will be taking part in the “SimplyNano 2” project in 2025. Interested schools will be provided with experiment kits to get students excited about science and technology. Further training courses will be held at host companies to introduce teachers to the project.
Further details can be found on the project website.
The Principality of Liechtenstein is the first country outside of Switzerland to implement the “SimplyNano 2” project. From the 2025/26 school year, upper secondary schools will be equipped with experiment kits and learning media.
Further details can be found on the project website.
Completed projects
In Central Switzerland, the “SimplyNano 2” project was successfully completed in 2025. 91 upper secondary schools from six cantons were equipped with a total of 1,072 experiment kits. Each school received class sets of 10 to 16 cases, which are now an integral part of science lessons. The project was made possible by funding from various companies and foundations. Further information on this sub-project and a list of partners can be found on our project page.
The “SimplyNano 2” project was launched in the canton of Schwyz in 2023. All secondary schools and grammar schools were equipped with class sets totaling 200 suitcases. Companies and foundations supporting this subproject in the canton of Schwyz can be found on our project page.
In 2023, all secondary schools in the canton of Thurgau were equipped with class sets totaling 400 “SimplyNano 2” experiment kits. Companies and foundations supporting this subproject in Eastern Switzerland can be found on our project page.
The project was launched in the cantons of Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt and Solothurn in fall 2022 and all secondary schools in the three cantons were equipped with a total of 880 “SimplyNano 2” cases by 2023. A total of 64 schools were equipped with class sets and 121 teachers were trained in 8 further training courses. The project was supported by over 39 partners from Northwestern Switzerland. For more information on this subproject and the partners, please visit the Northwestern Switzerland project page.
The “SimplyNano 2” project was launched in the canton of Zurich in September 2021 with a media conference. By June 2022, 130 secondary schools had been equipped with around 1,100 “SimplyNano 2” cases. In parallel, 12 continuing education courses for teachers were held. The project was supported by 38 partners. For more information, please visit the project page of the Canton of Zurich.
The first cross-cantonal “SimplyNano 2” project was implemented in the three eastern Swiss cantons of St. Gallen, Appenzell Innerrhoden and Appenzell Ausserrhoden . From spring 2020, “SimplyNano” was implemented as a sub-project of the IT education offensive. The upper secondary schools in the three cantons were equipped with a contingent of experiment kits across the board. At the same time, eight further education courses were held. For more information, visit the Eastern Switzerland project page.
Switzerland’s first “SimplyNano 2” project was successfully completed in the canton of Aargau in 2018. Within the framework of the project, all upper secondary schools in the canton received a total of 550 experimental kits. Teachers from over 50 schools in Aargau participated in eight professional development courses. The courses took place in schools and at companies throughout the canton of Aargau. For more information, please visit the project page of the Canton of Aargau.
