Comprehensive use of SimplyNano 2 experiment kits in schools in Eastern Switzerland

Addressing the shortage of skilled workers early on

From the 2020/2021 school year, the new SimplyNano 2 experiment kit and the associated learning workshop will be available free of charge to all  secondary schools in the canton of St. Gallen for science and tech subjects. A total of 540 cases are available for schools in St. Gallen. For the schools in the cantons of Appenzell Innerrhoden and Appenzell Ausserrhoden there are an additional 60 cases. Practical experiments and astounding applications are intended to promote enthusiasm for science and technology and to increase young people's interest in MINT professions. SimplyNano 2 is a sub-project of the IT education program (IT-Bildungsoffensive) and is supported and financed by the canton and a wide range of foundations and companies. St. Gallen is the first canton in Eastern Switzerland and the second in all of Switzerland to use the innovative experimental kit at the upper school level and is playing a pioneering role in the promotion of MINT-subjects with this project. The cantons of St.Gallen and the two Appenzell cantons, together with numerous companies and foundations, are thus making an important contribution to combat the shortage of skilled workers. The partners of the SimplyNano 2 project are listed on the project website.

Nano experiments that make you say "Wow!"

Companies in Eastern Switzerland already use nanotechnology, which is why the project was met with great interest among the partners. Nanotechnology is the science of the tiny particles. Because of their special properties, however, nanomaterials are not only found in science, but also in many everyday products such as cosmetics and textiles or in technology applications. With these harmless and amazing experiments, the pupils discover, among other things, how baby diapers with "superabsorbers" absorb extremely large amounts of liquid, how the "memory effect" in braces works or why geckos with nano-structures on their feet can climb up walls.

Further training courses for teachers in St. Gallen and Appenzell

To ensure that the suitcases are used in the classroom, the Innovation Society is offering half-day introductory courses for teachers at regional partner companies from May onwards, in order to establish contacts between teachers and companies and to facilitate the exchange of experience. The offer is aimed at teachers at secondary level in the cantons SG, AI and AR. The nine continuing education courses are also spread across all regions of the Canton of St. Gallen, so that as many teachers as possible can benefit from the offer. A course is also held in Herisau. The first three courses have already been advertised on the SimplyNano homepage, and registration is now possible.

SimplyScience

The SimplyNano 2 experimental kit was developed by the Innovation Society and is published by the SimplyScience Foundation. It is a charitable foundation that aims to get children and young people interested in scientific and technical topics. The SimplyNano 2 experiment kit is to be available in all secondary schools throughout Switzerland in the next few years. Further information is available at: www.simplynano.ch, www.simplyscience.ch and www.innovationsgesellschaft.ch .