The SimplyNano – learning medium
The SimplyNano learning medium
The core elements of “SimplyNano” are two experimental cases on nanotechnology (“SimplyNano 1” and “SimplyNano 2”). They contain all the documentation, chemicals and materials to perform the experiments. They are also equipped with a ready-to-use learning workshop comprising eight and ten workstations respectively. The ready-prepared learning materials enable students to experiment independently in accordance with Curriculum 21 and to deepen the learning content in practice. Continuing education courses are offered for teachers, the majority of which take place in companies. Here, teachers have the opportunity to network with teaching companies.
SimplyNano 2®
The “SimplyNano 2” learning medium is suitable for secondary level l + ll and consists of the following elements:
Experiment kit with materials
(chemicals, products and accessories)
for 41 fully prepared experiments on 10 nano-phenomena for 12 to 20 lessons
in the areas of nano-bionics, nanoproducts and nanomaterials.
Documents for learners
(ring binder, 176 pages)
with background information, experiment instructions and tasks at 3 levels (basic, advanced, advanced)
Documents for teachers
(book, 315 pages)
with references to LP 21, learning objectives, sample solutions, background information, experiment instructions and tasks at 3 levels (basic, advanced, advanced)
Electronic documents (USB stick)
- Secondary level l
with documents for learners (experiment instructions, questions and background information) as photocopies,
PPT presentations for in-depth study,
video material - Secondary level l + ll (DE, EN FR)
with documents for learners (experiment instructions and questions) as photocopies,
PPT presentation with background information),
video material
Further training courses for teachers
During the cantonal introduction of the “SimplyNano” project, teachers from the respective cantons are offered free further training courses.
SimplyNano 1®
The “SimplyNano 1” learning medium is suitable for intermediate and secondary levels l + II and consists of the following elements:
Experiment kit with materials
(chemicals, products and accessories)
for 8 fully prepared work stations for 8 to 10 lessons with experiments on the basics of nanotechnology in the areas of nanosurfaces, nanodimension and reactivity.
Documents for learners
(folder, 92 pages)
Copy templates with experiment instructions and tasks (basics, additional tasks and extended research assignments)
Documents for teachers
(bound book, 116 pages)
with tasks (basics, additional tasks and extended research assignments),
solutions and references to LP 21
Electronic documentation (USB stick)
Accompanying documentation (92 pages), available in four languages: DE, EN, FR, ES
SimplyNano – an innovative and comprehensive STEM learning medium
Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary science. The “SimplyNano” experiments are suitable for interdisciplinary and research-based learning. They fulfill the core requirement of Curriculum 21 for the natural sciences: “Do science themselves by observing closely, asking their own questions and investigating phenomena themselves. This includes collecting experimental data as well as communicating and interpreting processes and results or reflecting on what constitutes science” (LP 21).
SimplyNano promotes independent acquisition of scientific knowledge in a practical and theoretical manner. In this way, the mandatory contents of the competence areas “Nature and Technology” and “Mathematics” are specifically fulfilled.
SimplyNano meets the requirements of curriculum 21
The “SimplyNano” learning media have been specially developed for interdisciplinary and research-based learning.
Learners work independently according to scientific principles. In this way, practical competencies of Curriculum 21 (LP 21) are specifically trained.
The experiments on the interdisciplinary science of nanotechnology promote networked thinking and teach basic scientific knowledge.
In the “SimplyNano” learning workshops (documents for teachers), detailed references to the competencies of Curriculum 21 are listed for all items.
Contents of the competence areas “Nature and Technology (NT)” and “Mathematics (MA)” are fulfilled.
Use of the experimental kits in the classroom
Nanotechnology is the science of the very small. Although it is not a school subject, it occurs in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. The learning media can therefore be used across all subjects in STEM lessons.
The case sets can be used across all classes and in project lessons.
Individual experiments can also be carried out as demo experiments for illustration purposes.
Half-day, practical training courses are offered to prepare teachers and to demonstrate the use of the learning media in the classroom.
Required number of experimental kits in a class
For optimal use of the “SimplyNano” learning medium, we recommend a class set of eight to ten cases per class.
Ideally, the learners work in small groups (two to three students per case).
The small groups each work with one experiment case.
Classes that only have one to three cases available can solve the items as a course.
Ideally, the learners work in groups of two or three.
The small groups work in rotation.