2022 Virginia Tech Nanoscience Professional Development Workshop for High School Teachers

2022 Nanoscience Teachers Professional Development Workshop Program

Host Institution: Virginia Tech

Dates: Tuesday 6/21, Friday 6/24 & Monday 6/27

Times listed below are Eastern Daylight Time

Mode: Hybrid

Overview: The primary goals of the upcoming workshop will be to provide participants with: 1) an introduction to fundamental concepts of nanoscience and nanotechnology; 2) training in hands-on activities and demonstrations that can be used in a variety of STEM courses; 3) experience using selected on-line platforms for organizing educational activities and engaging with students, both virtually and in person; and 4) an increased awareness of possible academic and career pathways for students interested in nanoscience and nanotechnology.

The main workshop content will be divided into four main modules: Nanomedicine, Environmental Nanoscience, Functional Nanomaterials, and Nanotechnology Instrumentation and Innovation. In addition to providing cutting-edge examples of the science in these areas, we will embed key concepts of nanoscience such as self-assembly, encapsulation, quantum behavior, and surface and redox chemistry. We will also introduce some of the essential tools of nanoscience and nanotechnology, and discuss possible career trajectories and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Day 1 - Virtual Meeting Tuesday 6/21 at 10-12

A 2-hour meeting that will include:

• A virtual meet-and-greet to introduce the participants and organizers and describe the format, schedule, resources (e.g., Canvas) and goals of the workshop (Charlotte)

• Short live intro lectures (~15 min each) to introduce ourselves and get the participants excited about the four main modules for the workshop:

  • 1. Intro to Nanoscience & Nanotechnology (Marc)

    2. Intro to Functional Nanomaterials and Innovation (Brenden)

    3. Intro to Nanomedicine (Tian)

    4. Intro to Environmental Nanoscience (Marc)

    5. Intro to Nanotechnology Instrumentation (Brenden)

• Participants will be assigned approximately 4 hours of asynchronous content including video lectures, assigned readings, online media content, etc. that will prepare them for the in-person demonstrations on Day 2.

Day 3 - Virtual Meeting Monday 6/27 at 1-3

A 1-2 hour meeting that will include:

• Ask teachers to discuss how they will use demos/content in their classrooms and encourage Q&A

• Office Hours with Experts to talk about workshop content and questions e.g., scaling for classrooms and/or different age groups, etc.

• Discuss participant needs in terms of demonstration kits and supplies

• Workshop survey

• Provide other resources for teaching nanoscience (e.g., RAIN network, other demonstration ideas)