Future Innovative Network for Development of NANO in Schools Erasmus Project

Project Title

Future Innovative Network for Development of NANO in Schools

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : School Exchange Partnerships

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2018

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: ICT – new technologies – digital competences; Key Competences (incl. mathematics and literacy) – basic skills; Natural sciences

Project Summary

*Context:
Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. Occupations in STEM-related careers are some of the fastest growing and best paid of the 21st century, and they often have the greatest potential for job growth. Building a solid STEM foundation through a well-rounded curriculum is the best way to ensure that students are exposed to math, science, and technology throughout their educational career. Students are extremely curious and impressionable, so instilling an interest at an early age could spark a lasting desire to pursue a career in any of these fields. Project supports students’ involvement in learning and offers a pedagogical approach where teachers will become mentors of creativity. Inclusion of Nanotechnology in the science curriculum will foster interdisciplinary explorations of science in curriculum. Because nanotechnology is an emerging interdisciplinary field, it can be included in physical science, chemistry, physics, biology, environmental sciences, and engineering. Nanotechnology provides connections between and among the sciences that will help students to develop an understanding of the relationships between disciplines.

*The objectives of the project:
-Innovative interdisciplinary approach of learning STEAM and NANO Technologies based on real problems
-Implementing innovative practices in education and use of open educational resources and new technologies
-Reinforce the centrality of the student as part of a training process, boost motivation to learn, the ability to build its own learning&training path, the sense of responsibility with respect to the future path
-Stimulate interest in students towards a knowledge proposed by experimenting, with forms of learning on the job in real situations
-Develop skills of self-orientation and train students to think critically and independently about the big picture of Nano technological change and the challenges it creates

*Number and profile of participants:
All of the organization partners in this Partnership are experienced in the field of teaching STEM subjects and they will contribute to a great extent for the realization of the proposal. There is total number of about 25 key persons that will be included with working assignment and in training activities.

*Activities
There is total number of about 60 students and 15 teachers from the three partner schools that will be included in the student exchanges and activities.
1.selection of students and teachers involved in the activities, quality assurance, budget control and time management, contracting with host families, risk management, archiving, reporting to the NA and EU
2.exchange of students Exploring Nano
3.exchange of students BioNano
4.exchange of students NANO Long Cycle Life
5.training event for teachers Nanotechnology education for the leaders of tomorrow
6.self evaluation instruments
7.dissemination activities (within the institutions involved in the project, in other institutions, public events and mass media coverage, publications and online dissemination).

*Methodology
1.months 1-2 (establishment of a communication between partners)
2.months 2- (meeting 1 – selection and preparation of participants, specific rules)
3.months 6, 14, 20 (students exchanges)
4.month 22 (training event with teachers)
5.months 16 – after (follow up phase with direct activities with the target groups)
6.month 13 – after (dissemination phase with previously defined activities in a dissemination plan)
7.months 20-24 (completion of the project with specific tasks of each partner in the sustainability period, reinforcing the partnership and inviting new partners)

*Results
Results of the project are collaboratively designed set of INNOVATIVE ACTIVITIES in the field of NANO Technologies. The project exchanges pedagogical methods and best practices through school visits and the exchange of ideas and lessons. Materials and handbook will be available so they can be adopted and applied by other teachers.

*Impact
1.Impact on participants:
-Developed capacity to productively engage in STEM learning activities
-Increased knowledge about the importance of applying nanotehnology in everyday life and learning through the innovative approach
-Increased level of use of ICT-based methodologies for STEM learning and providing more attractive form of NANO education;
-Confidence, motivation and enthusiasm for NANO education

2.Impact on target groups:
-21st century competencies
-Increased problem-solving skills
-Engagement, interest, enjoyment and achievement in STEAM subjects and NANO Technology

The potential long-term benefits
This project will be beneficial experience for all participants to experience how to be a part of multicultural team.
1.new innovative approach to teaching and learning STEAM and NANO technology
2.implementation of the handbook in the curricular and extra-curricular activities
3.new partnerships and projects to further enhance the results of this project

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 29235 Eur

Project Coordinator

AGRUPAMENTO DE ESCOLAS DE BARCELOS & Country: PT

Project Partners

• ISTITUTO DI ISTRUZIONE SUPERIORE ERASMO DA ROTTERDAM
• SOU Gimnazija Koco Racin