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Nanoscience and nanotechnology represent the most rapidly developing areas in contemporary scientific discovery and innovation. Nanoscience involves exploration and understanding of the fundamental behavior of structures having at least one dimension between 1 and 100 nm. Nanotechnology may be defined as the understanding and application of phenomena at the atomic level, leading to the design, construction and utilization of functional structures, again with at least one characteristic dimension measured in nanometers. Continuing advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology will impact all levels of science and engineering education.
The presentation will focus on addressing the following questions and issues that now are being considered in the emerging field of nanoscale science and engineering education (NSEE):
* Key concepts in nanoscale science and engineering … what are they?
* How can these key concepts be incorporated into the K-16 science curriculum?
* Can these concepts be accommodated in current national and state science teaching
standards?
* How will K-16 science instruction need to adapt or change?
* How will science teacher education and certification need to adapt or change?
* Teaching and learning about social/ethical concerns associated with NSE research
* Workforce preparation
* What are the essentials of nanoscale science and engineering research that students –and a
scientifically literate public- need to know?
Examples of current K-16 NSEE efforts in the U.S. and elsewhere also will be discussed. The presentation also will include time for audience participation, comment and dialogue.
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