For Teachers

If you are a pre-college or community college teacher, there are a number of ways that you can increase your nano-knowledge and get involved. The NU-Nanoscale Science & Engineering Center (NSEC) offers a unique summer program for teachers that synthesizes hands-on research with curriculum development. You’ll have the opportunity to engage in a hands-on research project in the lab, and discovering how this experience could be translated to an inquiry-based activity for your classroom. For more information visit www.nsec.northwestern.edu/teachers.htm.

Since 2001, the NU-NSEC has been working with teachers and administrators to develop a module that uses hands-on activities and design challenges to introduce nanotechnology concepts into the pre-college classroom. In this short video, Professor Hilary Godwin talks about the module and demonstrates one of the activities that it includes. The Nanoscience Module is being field-tested in 2005-06. If you have an interest and would like to learn how you can get involved, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Introduce your students to nanotechnology!
These innovative classroom projects were developed by teachers participating in the Nanoscale Science & Engineering Center's Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program:

Carbon Allotropes
Developed by Matthew Armfield, Deerfield High School

Ferrofluids
Developed by Sussan Oladipo, Wells Academy High School

Microcontact Printing
Developed by Michael Davis, Harold Washington College

Nanoscale modeling and Nanotechnology in the Media
Developed by Joanna Marshall, Buffalo Grove High School

Silver Nanoparticles
Developed by Jon Pazol, West Leyden High School