Teachers experiment at BASF
A SimplyNano experimentation course was recently held at the headquarter of BASF Switzerland AG in Basel. During the course, 16 secondary school teachers had the opportunity to conduct nano experiments and gain insight into the teaching professions at BASF. The course is part of the SimplyNano project, which aims to get young people in secondary school interested in STEM subjects and technical professions. BASF in Switzerland supports the innovative Swiss educational project as a partner.
900 experimental kits for secondary schools in the Basel area
The SimplyNano 2 project in the cantons of Basel-Land, Basel-Stadt and Solothurn provides 900 free SimplyNano 2 experiment kits for all secondary schools. This enables learners to experience nanotechnology first hand and deepen their understanding of the applications of this technology. Hands-on experiments and novel nano-materials illustrate fascinating effects from the world of nanochemistry. Accompanying experimental courses for teachers are held at companies. The teachers receive theoretical input and also important information about teaching professions and training opportunities in the companies. The project thus creates a "bridge" between schools and professional practice.
BASF focuses on young skilled workers and innovation
During their visit, the teachers were first given an insight into BASF's fields of activity in Switzerland. Country Manager Matthias Halusa presented the chemical company as an important employer and driver of innovation: "In many cases, it is innovative solutions from chemistry that help to meet the great challenges of our time. These include new technologies and materials such as those produced by BASF." To promote the teaching of natural sciences, BASF is involved in the SimplyNano project, among others. In this way, BASF is underlining its commitment to the region and its obligation to promote young professionals and the up-to-date training of apprentices. BASF employs about 1000 people in Switzerland and operates production sites in Schweizerhalle (BL), Kaisten (AG) and Monthey (VS).
Enthusiasm among the teachers
In the second part of the course, Christoph Meili gave an introduction to the theoretical basics of nanotechnology. Afterwards, the participants had the opportunity to experiment themselves and take a closer look at the experiments and materials in the kit. Among other things, they experimented with "superabsorber". The powdery, extremely absorbent material is contained in baby nappies and ensures that babies stay dry. Incidentally, this is also a product manufactured by BASF. The teachers were enthusiastic about the experiments and the kit. Erik Pleuler, physics teacher and member of the school board at the Fachmittelschule Basel, said: "I'm glad that we get such professional and comprehensive material. Pleuler knows how much work it takes to develop such experiments for school lessons. "The SimplyNano 2 kits support our teaching mission well. Because of the practical relevance and their own experience, pupils retain experiments better in their memory than abstract teaching content."
An award-winning educational project also for schools abroad
The SimplyNano project is a nationwide education project that is already running in ten cantons. It is to be rolled out in all secondary schools throughout Switzerland by the end of 2025. The project receives a very positive response from the chemical industry, the MEM sector and engineering professions. For example, the project recently won the coveted Swiss Building Award, which proves that SimplyNano is an innovative and cross-industry education project. In the medium and long term, the trilingual (German, French, English) SimplyNano experimental kits are to be used in other European countries. After all, companies abroad are also dependent on well-trained young professionals.
Source: Innovationsgesellschaft
Image source: BASF Schweiz AG