Overview
Science is changing at a vast pace with new discoveries and learning happening around the world daily. With this continual change in the field of science, we also need to continually develop student’s interest by engaging them in these new aspects and the applicability of science to their future.
The application of science at a molecular level, nanotechnology promises to dramatically impact the world in new and amazing ways. Advances in this field are revolutionizing medicine, energy production, environmental protection, bioindustries and more.
To ensure Alberta students are equipped to thrive in a world of emerging technology, Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures has teamed up with Alberta Advanced Education and Technology and science teachers from across Alberta to develop a series of exciting and engaging nanotechnology lesson plans.
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Lesson Plans
These lessons plans were designed for grades 4-12 and meet Alberta Education curriculum learning outcomes for science. The plans are easy to understand and implement without any specialized training, additional work or study. Best of all, they make this interesting subject matter engaging to teach.
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Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Pilot Program
This science outreach program gives junior and senior high school student’s firsthand experience with a SEM. The SEM works by scanning the surface of objects with a beam of electrons. With this incredible microscope scientists can produce high resolution images of tiny objects such as the eye of a mosquito or a grain of pollen. The SEM, provided by Hitachi High Technologies Canada, has a power magnification of 30 000x and uses samples straight from the environment. The microscope is brought to schools and students with samples for investigation. View the SEM Promotional poster for more information.
To book the SEM for your school, download the SEM Application Form, then return the completed form by fax 780- 492-0162, or e-mail cmaste [at] ualberta.ca. At this time, the SEM is currently available in the Edmonton region only, so please contact nano [at] albertainnovates.ca for inquiries outside of the region.
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| SEM image of a fly's eye (400x) |
SEM image of a fly's leg (500x) |
SEM image of a fly's wing (100x) |
This multi-year pilot program was developed through collaboration between nanoAlberta (part of Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures), the National Institute for Nanotechnology, and the University of Alberta. The program is administered by the University of Alberta’s Centre for Math, Science, and Technology Education (CMASTE).
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DVD Resources
Intro to DVD Resources
Science Alberta Foundation (All Grades)
Comics
Quantum Quest - A Cupful of Nano (All Grades)
Quantum Quest - Enter the Nanotubule (All Grades)
Quantum Quest - The Colour of Gold is Red (All Grades)
Videos
Do You Know What Nano Means (Grades K-9)
Nano Careers (Grades 7-12)
Entrepreneurship in Nanotechnology (Grades 10-12)
Working With Nanotechnology (Grades 10-12)
Nils Petersen - Working in Science (Grades 11-12)
AITF Alberta Nanotechnology Asset Map 2009
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