60 experiment kits for all Glarus schools

The SimplyNano project for Central Switzerland was launched on April 24, 2024 at Grünenthal in Mitlödi (Glarus South) with an all-round successful training course. Teachers from all Glarus secondary schools received an introduction to SimplyNano2 learning media. They had the opportunity to carry out the nano experiments independently. The event was rounded off by an exciting exchange with the vocational training managers from Grünenthal.

Promoting enthusiasm for STEM subjects

The SimplyNano 2 project aims to foster enthusiasm among high school youth for STEM subjects. The SimplyNano 2 cases contain materials and documentation that allow students to conduct exciting experiments on nanotechnology and experience it as an interdisciplinary everyday technology. The project builds a bridge between school and professional practice. For this reason, the introductory course for teachers took place at Grünenthal’s Mitlödi site. The premises provided a very authentic backdrop for the training course on April 24, 2024.

Project launch in Central Switzerland

The SimplyNano 2® experiment kits are currently available in all secondary schools in ten cantons (AG, AI, AR, BS, BL, SG, SO, SZ, TG, ZH). As part of the new SimplyNano 2® project in Central Switzerland, secondary schools and grammar schools in the cantons of LU, ZG, NW, OW, UR and GL will be equipped with class sets of free SimplyNano 2® experiment kits and learning media from 2024. The project was launched with this training course and all Glarus secondary schools and grammar schools received a total of 60 free experiment kits.

“We saw the SimplyNano learning medium and were immediately impressed,” commented the Glarus Director of Education, Councillor Markus Heer, who was present, to TV Südostschweiz. In addition to the canton of Glarus, 40 other partners support the project, so that cases and courses are offered to participating schools free of charge.

Promoting young talent for technical professions

The promotion of scientific topics against the backdrop of chemical production at Grünenthal / Proto Chamicals AG was very well received by the teachers. Jochen Schmalfuss, General Manager of Proto Chemicals AG, emphasized the importance of promoting young talent. The apprenticeships of laboratory technician, chemical and pharmaceutical technologist and logistician were presented by those responsible for vocational training. Teachers present greatly appreciated the opportunity to exchange ideas with the company representatives. Grünenthal supports the SimplyNano project as a partner.

How does a smoke detector work?

The teachers were able to carry out the experiments in the SimplyNano case themselves in a run of posts. The air-cushion-forming plant Salvinia molesta was enthusiastically examined, or the adhesion of a cell phone to the gecko pad was tested. A smoke detector was used to explore the Tyndall effect. “The experiments are fun and the pupils will enjoy them,” was the feedback from the participants.

Further courses in Central Switzerland

The training course was the first of a total of eight courses in Central Switzerland. In addition to the experimental part of the course, teachers also receive valuable introductions to the use of the entire learning medium (learning workshop for students, documents for teachers and USB stick). There are still a few places available for the 2024 courses (online registration: link). At the end of the course, participants will each receive an experiment kit and learning materials to take home. Thanks to the support of over 40 partners, the project can be offered free of charge in Central Switzerland.

Source: Innovation Society

Image source: Innovation Society