A case against the shortage of skilled workers
It is no longer a secret that there is a lack of young people in technical and scientific professions. In eastern Switzerland, the problem is being tackled at the root, one can say - and has thus won the Building Award 2021.
Equipment for more than forty experiments, ready-to-use learning workshops or various work stations: The core of the SimplyNano project are two experimental cases on nanotechnology. Almost ten years ago, the first suitcase was distributed to interested schools - and the many positive responses gave the project such a real boost. In 2017, the second suitcase was added. Since then, the suitcases have been in use at many schools in eastern Switzerland. "We noticed what an incredible need there is," says Christoph Meili from the Innovation Society. The suitcases are a new kind of learning medium. The many experiments and the practical topics and content convince teachers and students alike.
Technical, scientific or medical professions often have a hard time with students. Many school leavers choose the supposedly safe path and look for an apprenticeship in the commercial sector. The teaching materials often lack the technical affinities to arouse students' interest, says Meili. And that's where the SimplyNano project comes in. Teachers can use the material on a completely individual basis: in class, during a project week or through independent work. "The content is also directly related to Curriculum 21 - that was very important to us during implementation," says Meili. Beforehand, teachers are informed about the project at a course on how to use the corresponding experiments and documents.
The success of the SimplyNano project of the SimplyScience Foundation and the St.Gallen Innovation Society has now been highlighted by the presentation of the Building Award 2021. The award honors outstanding engineering achievements in construction. According to the jury, this not only promotes experimentation. The cooperation between schools and companies and the arousal of enthusiasm among young women and girls were also appreciated.
The success should continue in the future. On the one hand, the project is now being extended to northwestern Switzerland. "But we are also putting out feelers in the area of elementary school," says Meili. This is because the interest of students can be aroused at a younger age. However, the implementation of the project is relatively complex, so it will take time before such cases can be used at the primary level. In addition, foreign schools and authorities have already become aware of the project. Meili: "It's a Swiss success model that started small - and has met with a great response."
Source:
dieostschweiz.ch
Image Source:
dieostschweiz.ch