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Nanoscience Summer Institute for Middle School Teachers, NanoSIMST
Geographic Impact 2024
Early Talent Pipeline/ Workforce Development
- Support a diversity of learners across US in both urban and rural areas of high need
- Increase educator knowledge of high paying careers in the semiconductor industry
- Scalable through virtual format
Program Growth and Impact
Early Talent Pipeline/ Workforce Development
- Address gap in middle school science teacher professional development
- Increase number of students interested in Semiconductor industry careers
- 1 summer session impact > 4000 students/ year
NanoSIMST at Stanford University
Video by Harry Gregory, Stanford Report
nano@stanford is excited to offer TWO paid professional development workshops in nanoscience this summer; virtual and in-person! Selected teachers in this unique learning experience will be introduced to content-relevant cutting edge technology and nanoscience concepts that will engage students with real world problems. We provide hands-on materials, instructional support, field trips, guest speakers, high demand career options for students, and exposure to the wealth of online resources in our National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure, NNCI, network of 16 sites. Become a part of the nanoscience educator community!
In-person Option - Apply Now Virtual Option - Apply Now
Why Join?
- Learn about the cutting edge research at Stanford and the NNCI network
- Become a member of a nanoeducator network - first access to field trips, curated content, and lesson support
- Develop customized, NGSS-aligned activities and lesson plans for your classroom from your own hands-on experiences
- Increase student awareness of high pay & in demand technology careers at all levels
- Receive stipend upon completion of workshop ($500) and classroom implementation ($300)
Teacher Feedback
"I LOVED this summer institute! Resources are phenomenal! You have real life applications that are NOT outdated and very relevant to teachers AND our students."
"Fantastic pacing to cover info, keep engagement, and not overload. One of the most efficient PDs I have attended without being overwhelming."
Check out some photos from this summer's workshop here!
nano@stanford collaborated with CSET to support 16 NanoSIMST teachers; integrating nanoscience content and practical pedagogy to develop NGSS-aligned lesson plans.
Why Middle School Teachers?
- Middle school is the beginning of the scientific and engineering pipeline problem
- Performance relative to international norms drops between 4th to 8th grade from above average to average.
- Reported enthusiasm for science drops substantially: 64% of 4th graders interested in science, dropping to 50% in the 8th grade (from the National Center for Education Statistics)
- Broad Impact: One teacher may reach > 100 students per year
- Deep Impact: Teachers profoundly influence their students' interests
- Retention: Teachers are the frontline in the effort to maintain high education standards We hope to help make your job more enjoyable and rewarding.
2025 NanoSIMST @ Stanford In-Person
Excite and engage your students with the power and wonder of nanotechnology! Apply to join us this summer on the beautiful Stanford campus to learn and play with nanotechnology while getting paid (travel stipends available)! This workshop is a wonderful opportunity to delve into the nanoworld as a learner and discover resources about high demand STEM careers for your students. Teacher kits are provided to engage in hands-ons activities during the workshop that can be implemented directly into your classroom. In addition, we host talks, facility tours, and demonstrations from staff scientists, and offer the opportunity to use a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until April 19, 2025. The in-person option is hosted at Stanford from June 23 - 26, 2025, 10 am- 5 pm PST. Any questions? Contact dmduran@stanford.edu
2025 NanoSIMST- Virtual
Excite and engage your students with the power and wonder of nanotechnology! Apply to join us this summer as a community of teachers from across the country to learn and play with nanotechnology while getting paid! This workshop is a wonderful opportunity to delve into the nanoworld as a learner and discover resources about high demand STEM careers for your students. Teacher kits are provided to engage in hands-ons activities during the workshop that can be implemented directly into your classroom. In addition, we host talks and demonstrations from staff scientists, and offer the opportunity to remotely use a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until April 26, 2025. The virtual option is fully remote from July 14-18, 2025, 9 am - 2 pm PST / 10 am - 3 pm MST / 12 pm - 5 pm EST. Any questions? Contact dmduran@stanford.edu
(nano@stanford is supported by the National Science Foundation as part of the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure under award ECCS-2026822.)