The SimplyNano – learning medium
The SimplyNano – learning medium
The core elements of SimplyNano are two experimental kits on nanotechnology (SimplyNano1® and SimplyNano 2®). They contain all the documentation, chemicals and materials to perform the experiments. In addition, they are equipped with a ready-to-use learning workshop, which includes 8 and 10 work stations, 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®
SimplyNano 1®
The SimplyNano 1 learning medium is suitable for intermediate and secondary level l + II and consists of the following elements:
Experimental case 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 p.)
Copy templates with experiment instructions and tasks (basics, additional tasks and extended research tasks)
Documents for teachers
(Book bound, 116 p.)
with tasks (basics, additional tasks and extended research assignments),
solutions and references to LP 21
Electronic documents(USB stick)
Accompanying documentation (92 pages), available in four languages: DE, EN, FR, ES
Here is an overview of the LP 21 competencies that can be acquired with SimplyNano 1
The SimplyNano 2 learning medium is suitable for secondary level l + ll and consists of the following elements:
Experimental case with materials
(chemicals, products and accessories)
for 41 fully prepared experiments on 10 nano-phenomena for 12 to 20 lessons
in the fields of nano-bionics, nanoproducts and nanomaterials.
Documents for learners
(ring binder, 176 p.)
with background information, experiment instructions and tasks on 3 levels (basic, advanced, advanced)
Documents for teachers
(Book, 315 p.)
with references to the 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
Continuing education courses for teachers
During the cantonal rollout of the SimplyNano project, teachers from each canton are offered free professional development courses.
Here is an overview of the LP 21 competencies that can be acquired with SimplyNano 2
SimplyNano – an innovative and comprehensive STEM learning medium
Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary science. The SimplyNano experiments are suitable for interdisciplinary and inquiry-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
SimplyNano learning media are specially designed for interdisciplinary and inquiry learning.
Learners work independently according to scientific principles. In this way, practical skills from Curriculum 21 (LP 21) are specifically trained.
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 Curriculum 21 competencies are listed for all items.
Contents of the competence areas “Nature and Technology (NT)” and “Mathematics (MA)” are fulfilled.
Here you can find an overview of the LP 21 competencies that can be acquired with SimplyNano.
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. Therefore, the learning media can be used across subjects in STEM lessons.
The case sets can be used across classes and in project lessons.
Individual experiments can also be performed as demo experiments for illustration purposes.
Half-day, hands-on professional development courses are offered to prepare teachers and demonstrate how to use the learning medium 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, learners should 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 suitcases available can solve the items as a course.
Ideally, the learners work in groups of 2 or 3.
The small groups work in rotation.