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Unpacking nanotechnology for educators and learners
These educational resources contain lesson plans, rubric evaluation and data sheets aligned to the current academic curriculum. The focus is on four recommended learning areas: the use of nanotechnology in water, medicine, energy and mining. A diverse range of specialists -- from education curriculum specialists, nanotechnologists from the various sub-fields of the discipline and experienced science education writers -- were called in to assist with this project. The project grant holders, Dr Colleen Aldous (University of KwaZulu-Natal) and Helen Malherbe (freelance science communicator), both of whom have extensive prior experience in developing similar resources, were major contributors to the material contained in the manuals. Public engagement material Grade 7 - 9 learners have not been left out. The Department of Science and Technology's Nanotechnology Public Engagement Programme (NPEP), which is administered by SAASTA, commissioned Jive Media Africa to develop public engagement material for nanoscience and nanotechnology. The result was a set of four posters and learner/educator resources to accompany each poster. The aim in developing material for educators is to provide extensive information on nanotechnology with material linked to the curriculum. Ultimately, the objective is to inspire debate and critical thinking around nanotechnology in the classroom. A total of 2 000 educator handbooks, 10 000 learner workbooks and 8 000 posters were printed to date. "These resources will be distributed firstly to under-privileged schools, but to other schools as well, and at science festivals around the country," says Mthuthuzeli Zamxaka, Project Coordinator, SAASTA. The material is also available on the NPEP website |
