New "SimplyNano 2" project in the cantons of Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft and Solothurn
900 "SimplyNano 2" experiment kits are available nationwide for upper schools in the cantons of Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft and Solothurn. This means that the nano learning medium is already in use in all schools in eight Swiss cantons. By 2025, the learning medium should be available in schools throughout Switzerland.
"SimplyNano 2" is a supplementary learning medium adapted to Curriculum 21, consisting of an experimental kit, a learning workshop and a teacher's commentary. Starting this school year, the "SimplyNano 2" learning medium will now also be available to all upper school classes in the cantons of Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft and Solothurn for nature and technology lessons. The schools in Basel-Landschaft and Solothurn will each have 350 cases and the schools in Basel-Stadt 200 cases. The suitcase with 37 exciting nano-experiments contains all documents, chemicals and materials for carrying out the experiments.
Nano experiments with a "WOW effect
Nanotechnology is the science of the very small. Because of their special properties, nanomaterials are not only used in science, but also in many everyday products such as cosmetics, textiles, paints and in many new types of materials, e.g. in medicine. With the harmless and amazing experiments, the pupils discover, among other things, how baby nappies with "super absorbers" 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. The experiments thus show the fascinating world of the smallest particles and at the same time demonstrate the practical applications in everyday life and in technology.
Countering the shortage of skilled workers already at school
Exciting experiments and exploratory learning instead of boring theory are intended to promote enthusiasm for science and technology and to increase young people's interest in technical professions. In this way, schools make an important contribution to combating the shortage of skilled workers. At the same time, cross-cantonal training courses for teachers are held at regional companies. This promotes the exchange of experience between teachers and companies. The experimental kits are already in use in five cantons (ZH, AG, SG, AR, AI). The experience of teachers and pupils so far has been very good.
Broad support from cantons, companies and foundations
The "SimplyNano2" project and the kits are free of charge for the schools. Half of the project is supported by the cantons or lottery funds and the other half by a broad consortium of foundations, associations and companies.
Partners of the "SimplyNano 2" project in BL, BS and SO https://simplynano.ch/projekt/nw-ch/
- Accentus Foundation
- Agathon AG
- Amgen Switzerland AG
- Basel Employers' Association
- Bachem AG
- Baloise Bank SoBa
- Bärbel & Paul Geissbühler Foundation
- BASF AG
- BLKB Foundation
- Borer Chemistry AG
- Bosch AG
- CABB AG
- Chemgo AG
- Clariant AG
- The Innovation Society, St.Gallen
- Dimitris N. Chorafas Foundation
- Department of Education Basel-City
- Forlen Foundation
- Fraisa SA
- Geistlich Pharma AG
- Georg H. Endress Foundation
- Herbonis AG
- Gösgen Nuclear Power Plant
- Mathys Medical Ltd
- Mepha AG
- Model Ag
- Novartis AG
- Rotary Club Basel-Wettstein
- Rotary Club Solothurn
- Schaerer AG
- Society of Engineers and Architects (sia)
- SimplyScience Foundation
- Solothurn Chamber of Commerce
- Swiss Nanoscience Institute (Uni Basel)
- Swisslos Fund Basel-Country
- Swisslos Fund Solothurn
- Syngenta AG
Publication: the innovation society
Image source: the innovation society