Teachers experiment at SIKA
Secondary schools in Obwalden are now experimenting with nanotechnology. Class sets of SimplyNano2 experiment kits are being made available to the upper secondary schools. High-tech experiments are designed to get young people interested in STEM professions. The project for the canton of Obwalden started with a teacher training course at Sika in Sarnen.
Why is the gecko stuck to the ceiling?
Why do babies lie dry in diapers? Or how does the lotus effect work on the rain jacket? With nanotechnology! It is the science of the very small and is regarded as the technology of the future par excellence. Whether in nature, in everyday life or in industry: nanomaterials can be found everywhere. From this school year, the new SimplyNano 2 experiment kits will be available for experimentation in Obwalden’s upper secondary schools. It is a new type of learning medium with 41 exciting experiments, a learning workshop and all the necessary materials. The learning medium can be used in science and technology lessons, in project weeks or in the promotion of gifted children. Experience from other cantons has been very positive.
Teachers experiment at Sika in Sarnen
Interested teachers received an introduction to the new learning media on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. The half-day course took place at Sika Technology AG in Sarnen. Sika supports the SimplyNano project as a partner. Christoph Fäh, Corporate Technology Head Thermoplastic Systems, says: “We are delighted to be able to promote enthusiasm for science and technology among young people with the SimplyNano project. Through practical experiments, we want to inspire schoolchildren for a future career in technical professions and thus counteract the shortage of skilled workers.”
The teachers were given an insight into the various apprenticeship professions that are trained at Sika in Sarnen. The exchange with those responsible for vocational training was greatly appreciated by the teachers. The SimplyNano project has set itself the goal of networking between schools and business. The aim is to make an active contribution to combating the shortage of skilled workers in technical professions. In the main part of the course, the teachers had the opportunity to carry out the nano experiments themselves and test the learning media.
In use throughout German-speaking Switzerland by 2025
SimplyNano2 is a nationwide project. The canton of Obwalden is already the 14th canton where the learning medium is being made available to schools. In Central Switzerland, the cases are already in use in the cantons of Zug, Schwyz and Uri. Further courses will soon be held in the cantons of Lucerne and Nidwalden. By the end of 2025, the experiment kits should be in use throughout German-speaking Switzerland. The project is free of charge for schools and is supported by over forty partners in Central Switzerland, including Sika and Leister in the canton of Obwalden.
More pictures:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1NXydXGjh20YbMy-HvA154hVyQxL_PEfB?usp=sharing
Source: Innovation Society
Image source: Innovation Society
19.09.2024 Ricarda Zech