SHINE: AccessNano's Origins
The unique nanotechnology educational resource SHINE was developed by Francesca Calati, Amanda Clarke and colleagues at St Helena Secondary College as a result of their passionate drive to reinvigorate teaching of science and technology in Victorian schools. SHINE was unique in that:
The science was well explained, and linked to existing curricula elements in chemistry and physics;
Student interest was enhanced by constant emphasis on applications of nanotechnology to existing products and activities;
Classroom activities were supported by demonstration and experimental components, so that students were able to perceive nanotechnology phenomena first-hand;
Health and safety, social, and ethical aspects of emerging technologies were an integral part of the curriculum, with students encouraged to understand and participate in the debate about technology development and regulation; and
The aesthetic aspects of nanotechnology, in particular the ability to use art to demonstrate and explain phenomena, was a component which allowed non-science students to participate and engage.
SHINE was received so well both within the Victorian and the national teaching and scientific communities that the Australian Office of Nanotechnology initiated the development of a national secondary school nanotechnology resource: AccessNano.
AccessNano incorporates the best of SHINE, providing exciting, current and real-life nanotechnology ‘in action’ as well as offering accessible, simplified, modular content, matched to science curricula across Australia. Resources previously available at www.shine.vic.edu.au as well as additional support material are now incorporated into this website. Please check this regularly for exciting new developments on the horizon, such as additional modules and updates to existing modules.
Will AccessNano really help my teaching of science and technology?
While AccessNano has been developed through close collaboration of the development team with academia, it’s the continued involvement and drive of teachers Francesca Calati and Amanda Clarke that makes it so relevant to the classroom environment. Renowned in Australian science teaching circles through her initiation of the SHINE nanotechnology teaching program, and officially recognised through winning the 2007 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Teaching Science in Secondary Schools, Francesca leads the AccessNano TPD program, and offers enthusiasm, experience and practical guidance for using AccessNano in your classroom.
AccessNano and the Teacher Professional Development program is supported by the Australian Office of Nanotechnology.
