Discovering the world of dwarfs - Siegfried AG and Rotary Club Zofingen support the "SimpyNano 2"-project in Aargau
Last week, a "SimplyNano 2"-course for teachers took place in Zofingen at the headquarters of Siegfried Group. The pharmaceutical company supports the project, which provides the entire canton Aargau with experimental kits on the subject of nanotechnology. The participants were introduced to the world of nanotechnology and were able to conduct experiments themselves. Following the course, 30 experimental kits were handed over to the secondary schools of Oftringen, Rothrist and Zofingen - a generous donation on behalf of the Rotary Club Zofingen.
Nano-experiments to encourage the interest of pupils
The goal of the "SimplyNano 2"-project is to spark the interest for science and technology in adolescent pupils. For this, the experimental kit will be used in secondary schools for the entire canton Aargau as of the next school year. Accompanying training courses serve to make teachers acquainted with the world of nanotechnology and have them conduct nano-experiments for the first time. The kit was developed on behalf of the SimplyScience foundation and teaches about nanotechnology, a relevant future technology around the world, through specific examples one can find in everyday life. More than thirty experiments are inside this kit, touching on the subjects of nanobionics, nanoproducts and nanomaterials. Pupils will learn how to conduct experiments by observing, recognizing and understanding physical and chemical principles. Lastly, they will find out how to convey this knowledge to applications in industrial and everyday products. As an example, some experiments investigates how the gecko can stick to a wall, a phenomenon explained by forces acting between molecules. In another experiment, the surface of the plant Salvinia molesta is closely investigated. The structures on this plant are being used in ship engineering to decrease fuel use in the future.
Strong support from project partners
Host of this training course was Siegfried AG in Zofingen, a chemical company with its headquarters and a strong connection to the canton of Aargau. "We support this important project, because it increases interest in science and technology early on in school", says Peter Gehler, head of the pharmapark and vice president of the Aargauer Industrie- und Handelskammer (industrial and commercial chamber of canton Aargau). As a chemical company, Siegfried is dependent of young, well educated up- and comers. "We can increase our competitive ability with good people, therefore it is worth investigating", Gehler says.
Another project partner is the Rotary Club from Zofingen. The club supports the project as a regional partner by supplying the three secondary schools Oftringen, Rothrist and Zofingen with a total of 30 experimental kits.
Presentation of 30 "SimplyNano 2" experimental kits for the schools of Zofingen, Rothrist and Oftringen by the Rotary Club Zofingen. The Rotary Club was represented by Franco Koenig (2nd from the left) and Gianni Cantelmi (3rd from the left), as well as the host, Peter Gehler for Siegfried AG (2nd from the right).
"SimplyNano 2"-kits for Aargau and other cantons
Aargau is the first canton to use the "SimplyNano 2"-kits for all schools and provide the free teaching courses to go along with it. The kit is well received by teachers for many reasons. Many are enthralled by its close relation to everyday products and professional practice. A large advantage is also that materials, chemical components and teaching kits are supplied and ready to use immediately. Currently, all documents are available in German and English. As of autumn 2018 they will also be available in French. The experimental kit is supposed to be put to use in other German and French speaking cantons as well.
For more information on the project, visit: http://innovationsgesellschaft.ch/aargau/home/