New Perspectives in Science Education
Nanoscience Education: Perspectives, Concepts and Experiments for School Chemistry
Thomas Waitz, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry Education, Tammannstrasse 4, D-37077 Göttingen (Germany) (Germany)
Stefanie Haffer, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry Education, Tammannstrasse 4, D-37077 Göttingen (Germany)
Abstract
The fabrication and control of nanometer-scaled materials has enabled the development of a great variety of economically significant technologies, which have become essential for our day-to-day life. These include, for example, scratch resistant coatings (for displays), functional textiles, pigments as well as additives for drugs and food products. Despite their relevance for everyday life, technology and economy, the topic ‘Nano’ only plays a minor role in German school chemistry education. This is also confirmed by the fact that the term ‘Nano’ can only rarely be found in German science school books or curricula of teacher training institutions like universities and ‘Studienseminar’ (second phase of teacher education in Germany). From the chemical didactic perspective, the topic 'nano' offers versatile opportunities to connect chemical and physical school knowledge with relevant and current issues such as sustainable energy supply and pollution control [1]. With the example of simple semiconducting nanoscaled metal oxides like TiO2 and ZnO, we present an experimental approach to the topic 'nano in school'. This includes the isolation and analysis of TiO2 from everyday products like sunscreen, tooth paste, wall paint, or cosmetics, demonstrating students the ubiquity of nanomaterials in everyday life. Based on these isolated materials we further present experiments on photocatalysis, the fabrication of a solar cell (Grätzel cell), or the fabrication of a gas sensor which can be understood by fundamental chemical concepts like the 'donator-acceptor principle' [2,3]. Finally, it will be shown how these topics can provide student insight into current research and as a consequence thereof, enhance collaboration between schools and university.
[1] J. Dege, T. Waitz, S. Haffer, V. Pietzner, R. Abu-Much, M. Hugerat, T. Wilke, TiO2 Nanoparticles in Sunscreen - A Course Design Introducing Nanotechnology to Upper Secondary Chemistry Classes J. Nano Educ. (in press)
[2] T. Wilke, K. Wolf, A. Steinkuhle, T. Waitz, Experimente mit fluoreszierenden Zinkoxid-Nanopartikeln, PdN-ChiS, 4/64 (2015) 28
[3] M. W. Tausch, M. Seesing, J. G. Ibanez, R. Mena-Brito, A. Fregoso-Infante, Photoredoxreaktionen mit Nano-Titandioxid, PdN-ChiS 3/54 (2005) 22
