July 19 – 23, 2010

This summer (July 19-23) Rensselaer hosted 20 secondary level teachers from regional school districts for a professional development program on Nanotechnology. Rensselaer’s National Science Foundation funded Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center (NSEC) sponsors the summer program as part of a multi-year commitment to educate teachers on the science of nanotechnology and to support the development of curricula for technology, physics, chemistry, biology and math classrooms.

The week-long program incorporated a multitude of lectures and hands-on activities. Faculty members shared their expertise within the areas of Materials Science, Nano-electronics, Biotechnology and energy efficient Smart Lighting. Graduate students demonstrated nano-related chemistry experiments that can be easily replicated in a high school classroom. The participants learned about key concepts, tools of the trade and cutting edge nanotechnology research. They also visited several state-of-the art labs including the 10,000 sq foot Class 100 Micro – Nano Fabrication Cleanroom.

Nano-savvy high school teachers from around the region were invited to share curriculum modules and strategies they are currently using in their classrooms. This proved to be a valuable component of the program, as often teachers need guidance on how to implement nanotechnology concepts into their classrooms.

On the final afternoon of the program, the participants traveled to the Rensselaer Technology Park to tour GE Healthcare, a real world application of nanotechnology manufacturing. GE Healthcare utilizes flat panel detector technology for building digital radiography devices. The visit to GE was an excellent culminating event that tied together all lessons learned throughout the week as well as showcased great careers within the high technology world.

The Rensselaer Nanotechnology Curriculum Development 2010 Summer Institute was very well received. As a high school technology teacher commented, “You have opened my eyes to the world of nanotechnology, it’s applications, importance and the impact on our society and future.”

Click here for agenda including presentations.