Teachers as guests at United Machining
On January 21, the third advanced training course of the “SimplyNano 2” project in the canton of Bern took place at United Machining in Biel. 19 high school teachers from the canton of Bern used the afternoon to immerse themselves in the world of nanotechnology and gain new impetus for their STEM lessons.
The core of the training was independent experimentation. The teachers tested various experiments from the “SimplyNano 2” experiment kits, which were specially developed for use in schools. Among other things, two special materials caused great amazement:
- Memory metal (Nitinol): The participants experienced how deformed material returns to its original shape when heated. This principle is already being used successfully in medical technology for dental braces or stents.
- Aerogel: This extremely light material has a nanostructure that repels liquids particularly effectively. In the experiment, it was demonstrated that even sticky honey simply rolls off the surface.
After completing the course, all participants received a class set of the experiment kits for their respective schools.
Insight into industrial practice
The event was hosted by the company United Machining in Biel, which specializes in the development of high-precision machine tools and manufacturing solutions. Michael Rindisbacher, Head of Vocational Training, presented the company and its modern training concepts. The teachers were particularly impressed by the individual support offered to apprentices: United Machining makes it possible, for example, to combine basic technical training with competitive sport. A tour of the workshop showed the teachers the demanding working environment in industrial production.
Part of a national MINT success project
The use of “SimplyNano 2” in the canton of Bern is part of a nationwide initiative to promote STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Bern is already the 18th canton in German-speaking Switzerland to integrate this innovative learning medium into the classroom. Thanks to a broad sponsorship from regional foundations, companies and service clubs, around 660 case sets including accompanying material and courses can be distributed to schools in the canton of Bern free of charge. This ensures that pupils have practical access to key technologies that are of central importance for Switzerland as a research and business location.
Source: Innovation Society
Image: Innovation Society
23.01.2026, Innovation Society