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Workshops
The NanoSense project convened two research workshops to clarify core concepts and learning goals for nanoscience education and hosted 3 teacher workshops to introduce teachers to NanoSense materials.


Past Workshops:

Introduction to Nanoscale Science Workshop for High School Teachers
June 25-28, 2007, 9-3:30 pm, San Jose State University.

Agenda [PDF]  |  Workshop Flyer [PDF]  |  SJSU Campus Map [PDF] (We'll be in Duncan Hall, D1 on the map)

The NanoSense project hosted a 4-day summer workshop at San Jose State University for high school science teachers. The workshop provided an introduction to each of the four NanoSense curriculum units. Participants explored unique phenomena at the nanoscale (1-100 nanometers), participated in hands-on activities for introducing students to nanoscale science, and discussed how to implement relevant activities in their classrooms. Participants also created and adapted lesson plans, received feedback from peers and instructors, and collaboratively brainstormed ideas for integrating nanoscience into their curriculum.

Participants who completed all requirements received an honorarium, a certificate of completion, and 2.0 semester credits in chemistry, physical science, or integrated science. Participants were also given sets of materials to use in their classroom and encouraged to give feedback on the materials.

Liven Up Your Science Classroom With Cutting Edge Nanoscience
Saturday December 2, 2006, 9-12 pm followed by lunch, San Jose State University

The NanoSense project held a teacher workshop on Saturday December 2, 2006 at San Jose State University from 9-12, followed by lunch. In this workshop, 18 teachers learned about the new, emerging area of science that explores the unique phenomena at the nanoscale (1-100 nanometers), received a copy of the classroom curriculum materials, participated in hands-on activities for introducing high school students to nanoscale science, and discussed how to implement relevant activities in the classroom.

We walked through hands-on activities from the NanoSense curriculum units, including (1) Size Matters, an introduction to nanoscience concepts related to the size and scale, unusual properties of the nanoscale, tools of the nanosciences, and example applications; and (2) Clear Sunscreen, an exploration of the interactions of light and matter and, in particular, why zinc oxide nanoparticles block UV light but are transparent to visible light. We also showcased pilot materials on how nanoscience could advance energy production (Clean Energy) and water treatment (Fine Filters).

At the end of the workshop, participants completed a short survey about their interests in nanoscience and, after reviewing the materials, their interests in implementing an activity or lesson in the classroom. Every participant reported that they planned to use some NanoSense activities in their classroom!

Nanoscience Learning Goals Workshop
June 14-16, 2006 at SRI International

Agenda [PDF]  |  Workshop Primer [PDF]  |  Pre-workshop Survey Results [PDF]

This working meeting, funded by NSF and organized by the National Center for Learning and Teaching in Nanoscale Science and Engineering and SRI International, brought together 44 invited experts and practitioners in nanoscience, learning science and science education to explore and debate the major concepts and learning goals for nanoscience. Our major goals were to obtain an informed decision on the major concepts of nanoscience, clarify the meaning of these concepts, turn these concepts into learning goals, link the learning goals to national standards, and point out where links to the standards do not exist. The outcomes of the workshop are being documented in a public report that will be made available through NSF and on this web site to benefit educators and materials developers and push the research agenda in nanoscience education.

View slideshow of photos from the workshop (requires Quicktime)

Nanoscience Workshop for High School Teachers and their Students
February 11, 2006 at San Jose State University

Workshop Flyer [PDF]  |  Agenda [PDF]  |  Student permission form [PDF]

The NanoSense project hosted a 1-day nanoscience workshop at San Jose State University for high school science teachers and their students. Nanoscience explores the special phenomena that occur at the nanometer scale, from 1 too 100 nanometers (10-9 m). Introducing students to nanoscience is an exciting way to help them experience science in the making and deepen their understanding of the nature of science. After a general introduction to nanoscience, we explored the effect of the size of nanopowders on the interactions of energy and matter (e.g., the absorption of light, addressing the electromagnetic spectrum and associated wavelengths), in particular, how nano sunscreens differ from traditional sunscreens.

Participating teachers were given sets of materials to take back to their classroom and were encouraged to give feedback and input on the materials. All participants were given a certificate of participation.

Advancing Nanoscience Education Workshop
March 28-30, 2005 at SRI International

This working meeting, organized by SRI International, Foothill-DeAnza Community College, NASA Ames Research Center, and NanoSIG, brought together 47 invited participants--including educational researchers and science educators (spanning high school, community college, and university levels), nanoscientists, science museum/informal learning specialists, and workforce development staff--interested in advancing nanoscience education. Discussions centered on core nanoscience concepts, the role of hands-on and simulation-based experiences, teacher professional development, industry needs, and nanoscience careers and pathways.

Outcomes of the workshop are documented in a public report available on the publications page.

Presentations and other materials from the workshop are available below.

View slideshow of photos from the workshop (requires Quicktime)


 
 
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