The necessity of nanotechnology, which leads to the production of robust and durable products that will increase the quality of life, is increasing day by day. Nations invest in nanotechnology education in order to meet the need for qualified workforce in nanotechnology and related fields. In some countries, nanotechnology education starts even from the primary education level ([1], [2], [3], [4]). In addition, many national and international projects have been carried out and continue to be carried out in order to facilitate nanotechnology education and increase its quality ([5], [6], [7] etc.). The NANOWARE project is one of these projects.

Teaching nanotechnology is a new and developing area to teach in science classes for science teachers. Just because of this reason, science teachers need teaching materials support and the relative encouragement to teach nano sciences and technologies. Exactly at this point, NANOWARE will has a very strong school teaching program on nanotechnologies (NTs) aimed at students aged 11-17, which will be completely adapted to their educational needs. 

Within the NANOWARE Project, curriculum based on specific modules and relative educators’ guides which cover theory and assessment information collected from corresponding lesson plans are provided.  They are available to all teachers interested in organizing educational activities within their schools, and includes background materials, literature and all related to the contents of other tools developed within NANOWARE.

NANOWARE curriculum consists of six modules. Every module has theoretical part, assessment part and lesson plan including activities related to the topic. The topics of the modules focus on the following areas:

Module 1 – What Is Nanotechnology?

Module 2 – Nanomaterials

Module 3 – Nanoparticles

Module 4 – How Do We See Nanoparticles?

Module 5 – Nanotechnology in Our Lives

Module 6 – Applications of Nanotechnology

In addition, every module forms the basis of one section of the Educators Guide. Each section of the Educators Guide includes lesson objectives, short summary, background information, teaching strategy tables based on activities and a rubric for assessment of the module.

The Nanoware project offers students and teachers a blended learning opportunity with its applications for both face-to-face and distance education. The NANOWARE project also offers the opportunity to learn through games, which is one of the popular learning methods in the century we live in. Teaching nanotechnology with a gaming software such as Minecraft will not only provide great convenience to teachers but will also contribute to the improvement of teachers' existing digital skills.

References

1.      Kulik, T., & Fidelus, J. D. (2007). Education in the field of nanoscience. European Nanotechnology Gateway Warsaw.

2.      Lin, S. Y., Wu, M. T., Cho, Y. I., & Chen, H. H. (2015). The effectiveness of a popular science promotion program on nanotechnology for elementary school students in I-Lan City. Research in Science & Technological Education, 33(1), 22-37.

3.      Mandrikas, A., Michailidi, E., & Stavrou, D. (2020). Teaching nanotechnology in primary education. Research in Science & Technological Education, 38(4), 377-395.

4.      Murday, J. S. (2009). NSF workshop report: Partnership for nanotechnology education. University of South California, Los Angeles.

5.      Nanosense Project (2007). Size matters:Introduction to nanoscience. Retrived from https://nanosense.sri.com/

6.      Nanoyou Project (2016). Nano for youth is a project funded by the european commission's seventh framework programme. Retrived from https://nanoyou.eu/

7.      UNINANO Project (2018). Retrieved from https://www.pau.edu.tr/uninano/en