scope:

The nanotech revolution waits for no man, woman…or child. To revitalize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) performance, the U.S. educational system requires a practical strategy to better educate students about nanoscale science and engineering research. This is particularly important in grades K-12, the effective gestation point for future ideas and information.

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The first book of its kind, Nanoscience Education, Workforce Training, and K-12 Resources promotes nano-awareness in both the public and private sectors, presenting an overview of the current obstacles that must be overcome within the complex U.S. educational system before any reform is possible. It's a race against time-and other countries-and the fear is that U.S. students could lag behind for decades, with ineffective teaching and learning methods handicapping their ability to compete globally.

Focusing on the application of new knowledge, this concise and highly readable book explores the transdisciplinary nature of nanoscience and its societal impact, also addressing workforce training and risk management. Illustrating the historical perspective of the complexity of K-12 education communities, it defines nanotechnology and evaluates pertinent global and national landscapes, presenting examples of successful change within them.

This book is composed of four sections:

Foundations - addresses the national educational matrix, exploring the scientific and social implications associated with the delay in adopting nanoscience education in public schools

Teaching Nanotechnology - discusses the critical process of teaching K-12 students the skills to understand and evaluate emerging technologies they will encounter

Authors: Judith Light Feather, Miquel F. Aznar