Nanotechnology

A lesson plan from Germany where students use web2.0 tools to debate the uses of Nanotechnology.

Description:
The pupils should decide in groups on the funding of five projects which cover different areas of research. Only three projects can get the funding.

How to do it:

students are confronted with the complex topic
They are devided into groups and each student concentrates on one area of research

1. Gathering information:

teacher provides the students with possible sources:
- e.g. http://cordis.europa.eu/nanotechnology/ (Nanotechnology homepage of the European Commission) / http://www.scienceinschool.org/2008/issue10/nanotechnology(EIROforum, a partnership between eight of Europe’s largest inter-governmental scientific research organisations)
- e.g. link to local/national research centres (http://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology/research/laboratories_alist.php?letter=N – List of national research centres)
- e.g. links to ethics-related websites ( http://www.ethicsweb.ca/nanotechnology/ – The EthicsWeb is a collection of ethics-related websites)
- books / magazines / newspaper articles
- names of scientists
students gather information on their own
- e.g. youtube, podcasts, television programs etc.
- e.g. wikipedia
- e.g. local library
- e.g. experts (skype, e-mail etc.)
as a result students should be able to prepare a presentation of their arguments based on the information they gathered
- using Prezi (only), PowerPoint, SlideShow, VoiceThread etc.

2. Communication

students share their sources via social media, they could also comment on the validity of the source or say if they agree with what is said.
- twitter, blog, etc.
Discussion in the group
- each member presents their arguments
  - online: e.g. in a forum, chat, Skype, Voxopop, VoiceThread etc.
  - offline in the classroom
- group decides on 3 projects to finance
  - They might like to use a poll with Doodle after the presentation and one after the discussion to show possible differences in the outcome, some schools may have a voting button system for use with the interactive white board.
- groups prepare a presentation with their arguments for why they chose the three projects
  - using Prezi, PowerPoint, SlideShow, VoiceThread etc.
Discussion in the class
- each group presents their results to the class and also on the web explaining which project they want to finance
- class compares decisions and arguments and can continue the discussion online.