Thurgau is next Swiss canton to start “SimplyNano 2” project in all schools
The "SimplyNano 2" experimental kits on nanotechnology are a new learning medium for upper secondary schools. Starting in May, 400 free kits will be available for all secondary schools in Swiss canton Thurgau. The aim is to get pupils excited about science and technology and interested in technical professions. The project is financed by the Lottery Fund and a broad alliance of the business community.
400 experimental kits for schools
Starting this spring, 400 free "SimplyNano 2" experiment kits will be available for all secondary schools in the canton of Thurgau (Switzerland) for science and technology lessons. The kits with 37 experiments on nanotechnology contain all the documents, chemicals and materials for the classroom and enable independent experimentation and exploratory learning. The schools receive their own class sets with several cases and complete documentation. The project is already running successfully in eight Swiss cantons https://simplynano.ch .
Nano experiments with a "WOW effect
Nanotechnology is the science of the very small. Because of their special properties, nanomaterials are found in many technical materials but also in consumer products such as cosmetics, textiles, paints or in medicine. With the harmless and amazing experiments, the students wil discover, among other things, how baby nappies with "super absorbers" absorb extremely large amounts of liquid, why geckos with nano-structures on their feet can climb up walls or how the "memory effect" works with metals, e.g. in braces. All experiments show the fascinating world of the smallest particles and at the same time present concrete applications in products and materials.
Experiment courses and company insights for teachers
Practical experiments are designed to foster enthusiasm for science and technology and to increase young people's interest in technical professions. As preparation, half-day courses are held for teachers at companies. The nano-experiments will be carried out and the teaching professions and companies will be introduced. The courses start in May and take place at Stadler Rail AG, Model AG, Baumer Electric AG and Bischofszeller Nahrungsmittel AG. In addition to technical knowledge, this will also promote the exchange of experience between teachers and companies and build a concrete "bridge" from schools to professional practice.
Broad alliance for support from government and business
The "SimplyNano2" cases and the courses are free of charge for the schools. The project is supported by the Thurgau government with 200,000 francs from the lottery fund. The remaining funds are financed by a broad sponsorship of companies, associations and foundations. Further information: https://simplynano.ch/projekt/tg
Partners in the Canton of Thurgau
- Baumer Group, Frauenfeld
- Bernina AG
- Dimitris N. Chorafas Foundation
- Halag AG
- Chamber of Industry and Commerce Thurgau (IHK)
- Frauenfeld Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHF)
- LAPPTec AG
- LIONS Club Weinfelden-Mittelthurgau
- Lottery Fund Thurgau
- Model AG
- Ria & Arthur Dietschweiler Foundation
- Rotary Club Frauenfeld
- Rotary Club Frauenfeld-Untersee
- Rotary Club Kreuzlingen
- Rotary Club Oberer Bodensee
- Rotary Foundation Jakob Zindel
- Swiss Sugar AG
- Swissmechanic Thurgau
- Foundation (anonymous)
- Syngenta AG
- Thurgau Cantonal Bank
- Utilis AG
- Wälli Engineers
Source: Innovation Society
Image source: Innovation Society