Nano experiment kit for secondary schools in Northwestern Switzerland
In future, upper school classes in north-western Switzerland will be experimenting with nanotechnology. Class sets of "SimplyNano 2" experiment kits are being made available to secondary schools. The aim is to get young people interested in science and technology and to help combat the shortage of skilled workers. The project is already running in eight cantons and is to be implemented in schools throughout Switzerland by 2025.
Nano-experiments with a "wow" effect
Why does the gecko stick to the ceiling? Why do babies lie dry in nappies? Or how do mRNA vaccines work? With nanotechnology! It is the science of the very small and is considered the technology of the future par excellence. Whether in nature, in everyday life or in medicine: nanomaterials are everywhere. This school year, 900 "SimplyNano 2" experiment kits for nature and technology lessons will be made available to the upper schools of the cantons of Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft and Solothurn. It is a practice-oriented, novel learning medium with 37 exciting experiments, a learning workshop and all the necessary chemicals, materials and documentation.
Getting young people excited about new technologies and professions
With practice-oriented experiments, enthusiasm for science and technology is to be promoted in a targeted manner and young people's interest in technical professions is to be strengthened. This is accompanied by further training courses for teachers at companies. In addition to technical knowledge, this also promotes contact between teachers and regional companies and creates a "bridge" from schools to the world of work and to training companies. The project thus makes an important contribution to promoting the next generation of professionals and combating the shortage of skilled workers in technical professions.
Broad support from cantons, companies and foundations
The "SimplyNano2" cases are free of charge for the schools. The project is financed by the cantonal lottery funds of Basel-Landschaft and Solothurn, the Basel-Stadt Department of Education and a broad sponsorship of over 35 companies, associations and foundations. The large number of partners and the broad support underline the great importance of promoting young talent in these professions. The project is therefore to be implemented in secondary schools throughout Switzerland by 2025.
Further information: www.simplynano.ch
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The learning medium "SimplyNano 2" was developed by the SimplyScience Foundation and the Innovation Society, St.Gallen. SimplyScience is a non-profit foundation that aims to get children and young people interested in scientific and technical topics. With the support of partners, the "SimplyNano 2" cases are to be made available free of charge to all secondary schools throughout Switzerland by 2025 www.simplynano.ch
The following partners support the project in Northwestern Switzerland:
Accentus Foundation, Agathon AG, Agitec AG, Amgen Switzerland AG, Arbeitgeberverband Region Basel, Bachem AG, Baloise, Bärbel & Paul Geissbühler Foundation, BASF AG, BLKB Foundation, Borer Chemie AG, Bosch AG, CABB AG, Chemgo AG, Clariant AG, Die Innovationsgesellschaft, St. Gallen, Dimitris N. Chorafas Stiftung, Erziehungsdepartement Basel-Stadt, Forlen Stiftung, Fraisa SA, Geistlich Pharma AG, Georg H. Endress Stiftung, Herbonis AG, Kernkraftwerk Gösgen AG, Mathys AG Bettlach, Mepha AG, Model AG, Novartis AG, Rotary Club Basel-Wettstein, Rotary Club Solothurn, Schaerer AG, Schweiz. Ingenieur- und Architektenverein (sia), SimplyScience Foundation, Solothurn Chamber of Commerce, Swiss Nanoscience Institute (Uni Basel), Swisslos-Fonds Basel-Landschaft, Swisslos-Fonds Solothurn, Syngenta AG
Source: Innovation Society
Image source: Innovation Society