Nanotechnology concepts can be difficult to teach. How can students appreciate the nanometer length scale when they cannot see it without special instrumentation? This summer the Research Triangle Nanotechnology Network (RTNN) is hosting 11 educators in the first year of its Research Experience for Teachers program: Atomic Scale Design and Engineering. Participants were recruited from local school districts and community colleges. Teachers will work in small teams in RTNN research labs to create and characterize nanoscale materials or devices, connect their work to real-world applications, and gain experience with state-of-the-art research tools and techniques. Research projects include fabricating nanofibers for environmental remediation and designing microfluidic devices to be used as biosensors. Teachers will develop new lesson plans that connect their research to STEM curriculum and include the use of remote nanotechnology tools through RAIN network partners. After returning to the classroom, educators will share their innovative lesson plans at local and national science educator conferences.
