ATE Impacts 2020-2021

Nano-Link Helps Faculty Infuse Nanotech Knowledge in Courses Nano-Link provides educators with the resources and support to add nanotechnology to college or high school courses. Nano-Link offers two types of modularized content via its website. The eight Nano-Infusion modules are each designed to be completed in one class period with kits that Nano-Link supplies for free. Ten do-it-yourself (DIY) modules are more complex. The DIY modules' hands-on activities require equipment and come with a list of supplies and sources for the items. These modules also come with educator guides, activity flow chart, slides, and procedure descriptions for the hands-on activities. Nano-Link offers on-site workshops for groups of educators to learn how to use the Nano-Infusion modules. These six-to-eight hour sessions teach the science behind the modules. As of fall 2019, 588 instructors and administrators have participated in these professional development programs. A nanoscience technology programgraduate uses a scanning electron microscope for process engineering tasks at AVEKA. Nano-Link also prepares educators to serve as emerging technology coaches who lead Nano-Link training programs for community college and high school educators. Eight coaches currently focus on reaching underrepresented populations in STEM fields. Teacher Self-Reported Understanding & Ability to Teach Module Concepts Modules with Highest Ratings Superhydrophobicity n = 27 Scientific Method Nanoparticles and Sunscreen n = 18 Unit Cells and Crystal Structure n = S 87