Exploring the gecko and other phenomena – Syngenta supports “SimplyNano 2” project for Aargau schools
This week, a nano training course for teachers took place in the R&D center of Syngenta in Stein. Syngenta is a financial supporter of the “SimplyNano 2” project for secondary schools in the Canton of Aargau. The participants had the opportunity to conduct the experiments of the new nano experimental kit. The teachers could also enjoy a taste of research: a tour through the laboratories gave insight into current research projects of Syngenta.
Nano experiments in Aargau schools
Syngenta, one of the leading agriculture companies, supports the “SimplyNano 2” project for schools in the canton of Aargau, together with the Swisslos fonds of the canton of Aargau and other companies and organizations. The new experimental kit will be available to all secondary schools in Aargau starting from the school year 2018/19. The systematic promotion of science and technology in schools is the most important aspect of this project. Part of it is a series of teacher training courses. On 13th July, the new “SimplyNano 2” experimental kit was presented to teachers in the R&D center of Syngenta in Stein. The experimental kit contains more than thirty exciting experiments in the fields of Nano-Bionics, Nano-Products and Nanomaterials. Thereby, the goal is to observe and understand natural nano-phenomena and simultaneously to grasp their applications in everyday products. The students learn why geckos can climb up the walls and how the “gecko-pad” for mobile phones works. Or how the air-binding surface of the Salvinia plant is used as a model in ship construction to decrease the fuel consumption.
Promoting young talent and enthusiasm for technology
Nanotechnology, the technology of the smallest objects, is regarded as the technology of the future. Already, it is used in many consumer and industrial products. Regina Ammann, Leader of External Affairs Switzerland of Syngenta emphasized that it is not about any specific technology. “We want to spark the interest of students for science and technology. One impressive thing about the experimental kit is that it deals with supposedly difficult topics and explains them by means of everyday situations or products. This is the right way to get young people excited about science and show them the relevance to their daily life.”, says Ammann. The education of the next generation of employees and recruitment of highly-educated specialists is a key issue for Syngenta. 5’000 of the 28’000 worldwide Syngenta employees work in research and development.
Innovative science and technology learning medium for other cantons as well
The learning materials and the experimental kit have been developed by the SimplyScience foundation. The teaching materials have been well received with teachers. Beside all the materials and chemicals, the experimental kit also contains all the necessary teaching documents. These documents are available in German and English and also in French from autumn 2018. They meet the requirements of the new Lehrplan 21. The developers of the “SimplyNano 2” hope that the teaching material will be introduced in all Swiss schools.
Further informationen about the project (in German): http://innovationsgesellschaft.ch/aargau