Dissemination of Nanotechnologies for Energy Production and Environment Protection in Rural Areas of Wyoming

University Of Wyoming, Laramie WY

Investigators

Abstract

Dissemination of Nanotechnologies for Energy Production and Environmental Protection in Rural Areas of Wyoming Maohong Fan Technical Description Project goals are to provide opportunities for GK-12 Fellows to assume responsibilities as researchers, grade 10-12 (G10-12) educators and students and to infuse STEM education with energy and environmental nanotechnology (ee-nanotechnology); and to foster the collaborations of University of Wyoming (UW) with its partners to enhance STEM education. Project theme is to disseminate ee-nanotechnology. The related STEM disciplines are chemical, environmental and mechanical engineering; physics, chemistry, mathematics. The approaches include expanding the transferable expertise of GK-12 Fellows in ee-nanotechnology, providing ee-nanotechnology knowledge for K-12 teachers and students, increasing students? STEM career interests, strengthening UW?s collaborations with its partners, utilizing cyber infrastructure in GK-12 programs, and sustaining the project. The innovative approach is to use cyber infrastructure for spread of ee-nanotechnology. The activities to be conducted include involvement of Fellows, teachers and students with ee-nanotechnology projects, seminars, various collaborations; Fellows? service learning from G10-12 teachers and students; participation of teachers in UW?s classes and research works; joint-development of STEM curricula by teachers, Fellows and mentors; integration of the project into UW graduate program; and expansion of cyber infrastructure for GK-12 programs. Broader Impact The project will enhance GK12 Fellows? understanding of ee-nanotechnology while improving their communication, team building and leadership skills. G10-12 teachers will improve their STEM content knowledge and instructional strategies. G10-12 students will become more interested in STEM careers. UW will benefit from institutionalizing K12 STEM partnerships in its graduate programs.