GSO4SCHOOL Summer School 2020
What kind of nanotechnologies do we want? NanoDiode project launches a school student video contest on nanotechnologies
Nanotechnology is all around us; it’s almost everywhere! Nanotechnology is able to create many new materials and devices with a vast range of applications, such as in medicine, electronics, biomaterials energy production, and consumer products.
- In medicine, researchers are developing customized nanoparticles the size of molecules that can deliver drugs directly to diseased cells in your body.
- Nanotechnology helps us increase the capabilities of electronics devices while we reduce their weight and power consumption. Companies are using nanotechnology to create lighter and longer lasting fuel cells.
- Companies are also developing nanomaterials that will make a difference not only in the taste of food, but also in food safety, and the health benefits that food delivers.
- Nanotechnology is being used to reduce the cost of catalysts used in fuel cells to produce hydrogen ions from fuel.
- It could also be used in constructions. Nanotubes, when mixed with the old material, greatly advance strength.
- Clothing is also going nano! When cloth is coated with a nano-scale coating, it repels most liquids. Clothing could become entirely water repellant!
The future uses of nanotechnology are uncountable. But what kind of nanotechnologies do we want?
People say that if you want to find out the truth and get to the core, then you should ask the children. And while asking “what kind of nanotechnologies do we want?” we believe that the most interesting answers will come from young students.
“What kind of nanotechnologies do we want?” is a crucial question for the NanoDiode project and also is the main topic of a video contest for students (11-18 year olds) around Europe.
The students can play the role of journalists and produce videos focusing on nanotechnology from their own perspective, seek answers about:
- what nanotechnology is;
- which products using nanotechnology they know or use;
- what kind of applications of nanotechnology they want (or do not want) in their future.
What to deliver:
A 2-10 minutes video in English language or in the student’s native language with English subtitles, accompanied by a short description, in English, of the video in text. The videos may include narrative, interviews, lectures, animation, comics, drawings, songs, etc. in any combination. All ideas will be welcomed!
Who can apply:
Any student or group of students (age 11-18) from all secondary schools around Europe can participate.
Who can be interviewed:
If students choose to do an interview video, they could speak with scientists, nano-products manufacturers, representatives of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), friends and relatives, students and teachers.
What questions can be asked:
If students prefer to do interviews, here are some example questions that can be asked:
– Do you know if you use products with nanomaterials, or products manufactured with the use of nanotechnology? If yes, name some and explain why you chose them. If not, is there a reason why?
– Do you think that products using nanotechnology are safe to use? Do you think that manufacturing such products is safe for workers?
– In which applications do you think that nanotechnology can be of great value for people?
– Can you imagine a future where nanotechnology would be almost everywhere?
How to shoot the videos?
The student’s videos do not have to be pro! A clever use of you smartphone or any kind of camera could work just fine! If participant need more detailed instructions, we have prepared detailed guidelines which can be found here.
How to deliver the video:
By uploading it to a file transfer service (such as dropbox, wetransfer, myairbridge, etc.) or a video hosting service (such as youtube, vimeo, etc.) and by sharing/ sending the link to us.
Deadline:
All videos and short descriptions have to be delivered by December 15, 2015.
After submitting the videos:
Students’ videos will be uploaded on NanoDiode’s Youtube channel and posted on NanoDiode’s Facebook page where the videos will be liked by the public until December 31, 2015.
In January 2016 a jury composed of partners of the NanoDiode project will choose the best videos, taking in account the people’s votes and likes in Youtube and Facebook by 50% (50% jury – 50% public) before announcing the winners. The producer/producers of the best video will also be awarded with a visit to a nano technology laboratory of an industrial NanoDiode partner.
Why should students participate:
Taking part in NanoDiode’s students video contest will be a great opportunity to discuss about nanotechnology in the classroom. Nanotechnology provides connections between and among physical science, chemistry, physics, biology, environmental sciences, and engineering, so it helps students understand the relationships between disciplines.
In addition the video production can be a classroom project; in such case it can be a great opportunity of involving each and every student in the learning process in an exciting way.
How students benefit from creating videos:
- Students will be engaged in their learning and will retain what they learn, since they will be actively involved.
- Video creation helps students better express their deepest understanding of core classroom content and at the same time it promotes creativity.
- Students practice “real-life” skills, such as planning & organization, time management, cooperation, problem solving, etc.
- Video creation forces students to think at a higher level and to develop problem-solving skills.
- It’s fun!
Some examples of videos:
Here is a series of fun videos on what nano is, which could give students some ideas.
There are also some good ideas in the TimeForNano Youtube channel:
More video examples can be found on the SixtySymbols channel and in the 94 Elements project.
Furthermore, students can visit the NanoDiode Youtube channel.
Of course, participants may ignore all examples and advice and produce completely new and unique videos, according to their own fresh views! 🙂
Contact persons
Elias Aggelopoulos: eliaggel@gmail.com
Teguayco Pinto Cejas: teguayco@gmail.com
About the contest organizers:
The contest is organized by the European Union of Science Journalists’ Associations (EUSJA), a partner in the NanoDiode project.
EUSJA, the European Union of Science Journalists’ Associations, is the umbrella association of all national European science journalists’ associations. More information: http://www.eusja.org
NanoDiode is a European project for outreach and dialogues to support the effective governance of nanotechnologies. It is funded by the European Commission. More information: http://www.nanodiode.eu
Related posts
