NSF > EHR > ESIE > Nanoscale Science and Engineering Education

Nanoscale Science and Engineering Education (NSEE)

2003/2004 Deadlines:
NCLT - Preliminary due November 17, Full due February 20
NISE - Preliminary due November 17, Full due February 20
NIMD - Preliminary due November 17, Full due February 20
NUE - Full due November 17 (preliminary proposals not required)

NSEE represents a comprehensive effort on the part of the National Science Foundation to enhance nanoscale science and engineering education. Its goals are to form strong partnerships between researchers in science and engineering and those in science education; to develop effective strategies and interventions for integrating nanoscale science and engineering that will inform other emerging areas of science and engineering, into formal education in grades 7-16; and to increase public awareness of advances in nanoscale research and technology and their impact on society. Among the activities that will be supported are doctoral programs in science education, the development of instructional materials and courses for adoption and implementation in classrooms, grades 7-16, and research on the cognitive and implementation aspects of the educational interventions. The goals are carried out through partnerships involving institutions with the requisite expertise in nanoscale science and engineering and in education.

NSEE encompasses four independent components:
* Centers for Learning and Teaching (NCLT): Centers are intended to create educational leadership for emerging areas of science and engineering by creating doctoral programs, representing collaborations of researchers in nanoscale science and engineering, education, and cognitive and behavioral sciences.
* Informal Science Education (NISE): This national effort is intended to foster public awareness and understanding of nanoscale science and engineering through development of media projects (film, radio, television) and exhibits.
* Instructional Materials Development (NIMD): This effort is intended to support development of prototype instructional materials that promote student learning and interest in nanoscale science, engineering, and technology concepts for grades 7-12.
* Nanotechnology Undergraduate Education (NUE): This effort continues an existing program to introduce nanoscale science and technology through a variety of interdisciplinary approaches into undergraduate education, particularly in the first two collegiate years.