600 SimplyNano 2 - experimental kits for schools in Eastern Switzerland
The three cantons of St.Gallen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden and Appenzell Innerrhoden are using 600 SimplyNano 2 experimental kits in all secondary schools as a new learning medium. This makes the three cantons in eastern Switzerland pioneers in promoting technology in schools, second only to the canton of Aargau. The learning medium is to be used in schools throughout Switzerland by the end of 2023.
Widespread use in three cantons in Eastern Switzerland
600 experimental kits, 123 teachers, 90 schools, three cantons. With these figures, the SimplyNano 2 project has been successfully completed in the cantons of St. Gallen, Appenzell Innerrhoden and Ausserrhoden. Since the beginning of the year, class sets with up to 15 experimental kits have been available to all secondary schools in these three cantons. The aim is to get pupils excited about science and technology with exciting experiments, practical applications and examples. The SimplyNano 2 project in eastern Switzerland was launched in February 2020 as a sub-project of the IT education offensive of the canton of St. Gallen and was funded by the canton and around 20 companies and foundations. It was already the second cantonal project (after Aargau) in which all upper secondary schools were equipped with experiment kits across the board.
Nano experiments with "wow effect" arouse curiosity
SimplyNano 2 inspires learners, teachers and project partners alike. Through exploratory learning, young people learn what nanotechnology is all about and where nanotechnology and nanomaterials can be found in consumer products and in everyday working life. Many of the experiments in the kit show amazing and surprising wow effects and amaze the learners. This gets learners excited about STEM subjects and also interested in possible careers in science and technology.
Experimentation courses for teachers
An important part of the project was the accompanying training courses for teachers. A total of 123 teachers were introduced to working and experimenting with the new learning medium in eight courses and with various online offerings. The teachers carried out the experiments themselves and learned how they could best incorporate the learning medium into their lessons. The evaluation of the course feedback (which can be read in the project's final report) shows that it is precisely this "do-it-yourself experimentation" that is very well received by the teachers. With the new SimplyNano 2 learning workshop, a curriculum 21-compatible, "ready-to-use" teaching unit for independent, exploratory learning is available in addition to the suitcase. Some courses took place at companies. The exchange with companies and potential teaching companies was highly appreciated by the teachers.
SimplyNano 2 for all schools in Switzerland
SimplyNano is a nationwide MINT project. By the end of 2023, the learning medium is to be made available to all secondary schools in Switzerland. In the coming school year, secondary schools in the canton of Zurich and then in northwestern Switzerland will be equipped with cases. Currently, partners are still being sought for these projects. For updates on SimplyNano and more info, visit the SimplyNano website!