McREL and partners unveil first NanoLeap into New Science module
February 24, 2009
Denver—Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) and the Stanford Nanofabrication Facility (SNF) have released the first of two instructional modules from the NanoLeap into New Science project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
The groundbreaking modules integrate real-world nanoscale science and engineering research into high school chemistry and physical science courses. Each standards-based module includes teacher guides, assessments, student activities, and experiments. Using topics normally taught in high school science, students engage in nanoscale science and technology concepts within a real-world context.
The first module released, "Investigating Static Forces in Nature: The Mystery of the Gecko," is designed for physical science classrooms and includes videos, animation, and interactive technologies. "NanoLeap prepares our students to be future contributors to the revolutionary field of nanotechnology," said John Ristvey, principal investigator for the project and a principal consultant for McREL.
Instructional materials for the module were developed by McREL in collaboration with master science teachers and nanoscale science and technology researchers. Throughout the four-year development project, materials were vetted and evaluated thoroughly in high school classrooms. The national field tests, which were led by Edina, Minn.-based ASPEN Associates, included a total of 1,400 high school students and their teachers. Ristvey said, "Our findings demonstrated that students using NanoLeap outperformed their peers in both nanoscale science as well core science concepts."
McREL is a Denver-based, nationally recognized, private, nonprofit organization that is dedicated to improving education for all students through applied research, product development and service.
This work is supported by the National Science Foundation, Division of Elementary, Secondary, and Informal Education award #ESI-0426401.
