The canton of Fribourg is the 19th “SimplyNano 2” canton
On February 4, the first “SimplyNano 2” training course took place in the canton of Fribourg. In the afternoon, 19 high school teachers immersed themselves in the world of nanotechnology and got to know the “SimplyNano 2” teaching materials. At the host company Sika Manufacturing AG in Düdingen, the participants were also given an insight into the production facility and were able to make the connection between the professional world and STEM lessons. Following the course, the upper secondary schools were provided with ready-to-use learning materials.
Learning through experimentation
The training focused on the practical use of the “SimplyNano 2” experiment kit in the classroom. The teachers carried out the experiments themselves, reflected on their use in the classroom and discussed possible links to the curriculum objectives.
Two materials with a high learning and surprise effect aroused particular interest: with the memory metal (Nitinol), physical properties could be observed directly by heating the material back to its original form. This is a vivid example of real-life applications, for example in medical technology for dental braces or stents.
With its special nanostructure, aerogel impressively illustrated the topic of surface properties, as even viscous liquids such as honey beaded off the surface.
The “SimplyNano 2” experiments are designed to convey complex scientific content in a clear and understandable way. They offer a motivating introduction to key science content and promote inquiry-based learning in the classroom.
A guest at Sika Manufacturing AG in Düdingen
The training course was hosted by Sika Manufacturing AG, Düdingen. Sika Manufacturing AG in Düdingen is a highly specialized production site that manufactures roofing and waterproofing membranes, adhesives (Sikaflex®), swelling tapes & waterproofing systems as well as 3D-printed construction elements and thus significantly supplies the Sika target markets Roofing, Waterproofing, Sealing & Bonding and Industry.
Daniel Eberle, Plant Manager Sealing & Bonding/Industry Düdingen, presented the plant and the product range manufactured there in the first part. Jacqueline Zbinden, HR Manager at the site, then presented the training opportunities and Sika as a training company. The focus of the training is on active collaboration in a globally active company that offers apprentices the best possible start to their careers. Finally, the participants were given an insight into the innovative and structured manufacture of industrial products during a tour of the production facility.
Widespread introduction of “SimplyNano 2” in the canton of Fribourg
Thanks to the broad support of foundations and companies from the region, almost 100 “SimplyNano 2” sets, including accompanying materials, have been distributed to all German-speaking secondary schools in Fribourg. This makes the canton of Fribourg the 19th canton in which the learning medium is being used. The German-speaking secondary schools thus benefit from practical and motivating learning materials to promote the STEM subjects.
Source: Innovation Society
Image: Innovation Society
09.02.2026, Innovation Society