Nanoscience Education, Workforce Training, and K-12 Resources

"There's a stack of books on our desk and a cloud of PDFs on our desktop that focus on the social and ethical implications (SEI) of nanotech, but this 2011 collection by Judith Light Feather and Migeul F. Aznar will be among the few go to texts for our classes and research in coming years. With critical essays, lively pedagogical ideas and techniques, and a veritable database of resources that more than deliver on the title keyword, the book is a timely tool for growing the best of all plausible nanotechnological futures. ... The sheer variety of perspectives represented here helps the volume avoid the usual monotone voice of jargon that too often haunts such compilations. The result is a fresh and lucid take on the metaphorical roadmap to nanotechnology, with a welcome emphasis on bottom-up approaches to education and workforce training. There is much to like herean impressive, sometimes dizzying array of resources and approaches for educators and administrators in time to make a difference in today's classroom and hacklab."
-- U.S. Journal of Nanophotonics, Vol. 5, 2011

Autorentext
Judith Light Feather is president of The NanoTechnology Group, Inc., which provides resources for every aspect of nanoscience education, from curriculum to development tools for teachers. The company's News Division provides informal educational information and news for the public at www.NanoNEWS.TV presently serving on the Board of the NanoEthics Group, and multiple boards at Lifeboat Foundation. Miguel F. Aznar serves as executive director of KnowledgeContext, director of education for Foresight Institute, and on the advisory boards of both the Nanoethics Group and the Acceleration Studies Foundation. He has presented at educational conferences, including Computer Using Educators (CUE), California Educational Research Association (CERA), and California League of Middle Schools (CLMS).

Zusammenfassung
Divided into 3 parts, part one of this book provides a historical perspective including a definition of nanotechnology and an evaluation of the global and national landscapes of the field. Part two evaluates the US model and compares it to other models around the world. Part three considers plans of action that may prove to be sustainable.

Inhalt
Section I: Foundations Introduction to Nanoscience, Technology, and Social Implications. Education Is a Complex System: History, Matrix, Politics, Solutions. Students Are Shifting the Paradigm. Nobel Laureates Are Role Models in Teaching Nanoscience. Section II: Teaching Nanotechnology What is Nanotechnological Literacy? How Do We Teach Nanotechnology's Identity? How Do We Teach about Change in Nanotechnology? How Do We Teach Evaluation of Nanotechnology? Section III: Nanoscience Resources and Programs K12 Outreach Programs. Overviews of Nanotechnology Workforce Programs. Informal Science Resources. Overviews: Global Nanotechnology Initiatives and Resources. Section IV: Framework Applied Assessing the Options for Action and Implementation. The Twenty-First Century ParadigmWorking Together. Rethinking EducationCan We Succeed?