Nanoscience is the study of materials on the nanoscale or 100,000 times smaller than a single human hair. It is leading to the revolution of materials and manufacturing, with applications across a range of industries including energy; medical devices; pharmaceuticals; technology and bioengineering.<\/p>\n
Linked to the existing Primary science and maths syllabus while also including environment, history and art, the new lessons will enable school children to understand how the properties of materials can change on the nanoscale and provide opportunities for them to work like scientists through discussion, investigations and activities.<\/p>\n
To celebrate the launch of NanoWOW, St Patrick\u2019s College, Drumcondra are using this year\u2019s Science Week theme, \u201cExploring the XTRA-Ordinary\u201d to find out more about nanoscience and materials science amongst their students and staff. They have organised a number of CPD workshops to introduce primary school teachers to the NanoWOW lessons and will have guest speakers from AMBER visiting during the week.<\/p>\n
Dr Cliona Murphy, Lecturer in Science Education, St Patrick\u2019s College said \u201cI think this is a wonderful initiative and we are very pleased to collaborate with AMBER on further developing the educational resources and bringing them to primary schools throughout Ireland. \u00a0The NanoWow investigations provide children with ample opportunities to work like scientists and to develop their scientific skills and knowledge.\u00a0 Through engaging with the NanoWow activities the children are also provided with numerous opportunities to develop their language and thinking skills and to use a range of mathematical skills.\u00a0 The NanoWow educational programme\u00a0 provides children with first hand experience of the\u00a0 ground breaking scientific research that is currently being conducted in Ireland and gives them an insight into careers that are potentially achievable for them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Prof. Stefano Sanvito, AMBER said, \u201cThe new NanoWOW lesson plans are designed to engage school children in a creative way that fosters their curiosity in nanoscience. We also want to develop their interest and understanding so they are aware of nanoscience as part of their everyday lives and the potential future career options that would be open to them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Prof. Sanvito went on to comment, \u201cIreland is currently ranked 6th<\/sup> worldwide for nanoscience research and 1st<\/sup> in the EU for European Research Council starting grants. With Nanoscience linked to \u20ac15 billion or 10% of Irish exports and 250,000 jobs in sectors like technology, biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, energy and more, the importance of making nanoscience relevant amongst school pupils is obvious for future development\u201d.<\/p>\n The launch of the new NanoWOW lesson plans builds on the success of the \u201cNano in My Life\u201d lesson plans for secondary schools which were launched by CRANN during Science Week 2011. Targeted at Transition Year students, the resource provides teachers with nanaoscience lesson plans free of charge. With nanonscience due to feature as part of the new Leaving Certificate, the NanoWOW lesson plans aim to build on this success and bring the subject to a wider audience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sources: Nanowerk, AMBER<\/p>\n