Nanoscale Science and Engineering Education

Foreword by Professor Harold W. Kroto, Nobel Prize Laureate Dr. Mihail C. Roco, National Science Foundation, USA Rapid advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology research indicate a need for corresponding science, engineering and medical education efforts. Issues relating to K-12 scientific and technological literacy become even more pressing concerns, given the extent to which advances in nanoscience and nanotechnology are expected to impact all aspects of human experience, e.g. healthcare and medicine, transportation, electronics, and environmental sustainability, to name but a few. This book contains 36 state-of-the-art chapters and addresses the following topics: (i) current efforts in the field of nanoscale science and engineering education; (ii) noteworthy examples showing the integration of nanotechnology in undergraduate education (chemistry, physics, biological sciences, engineering, environmental science, technology, etc.); (iii) efforts relating to general scientific and technological literacy/public awareness in nanoscale science and engineering; (iv) projects demonstrating the importance of nanoscale science and technology education at the K-12 level, and examples of how specific concepts have been integrated into science instruction at the primary and secondary school levels (pre-college/university); (v) curriculum development and assessment; (vi) social and ethical issues associated with nanoscale science and engineering research (vii) workforce preparation (professional and vocational), and (viii) national and state science standards and their relationships to the goals of nanotechnology initiatives worldwide. The book is written by leading experts who are interested and experienced in nanoscience and nanotechnology education.

All in all, the volume covers almost all the key aspects of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology ..... integration of nanoscale science and engineering into the curricula of all age groups [ranging] from middle and high school students, to undergraduate students, and beyond. As important as anything else are children's perceptions of nanotechnology which also are addressed, as are societal and ethics issues. Professor Harold W. Kroto, Nobel Prize Laureate --Foreword

The contributions [in this volume] address various levels of nanoscale science and engineering education, using various methodologies for classrooms and remote teaching, in various parts of the world, at the local to international levels. These shared experiences are on the front of the wave of new educational programs in the world. This collection may help in crystallizing more integrative approaches, and developing a nanotechnology education community. Dr. Mihail C. Roco, National Science Foundation, USA --Foreword