Submitted by birger on Fri, 01/22/2010 - 05:37

The innovative project of Nanoeducation held by the Russian Government follows up. Under the contract of the Ministry of Education and Science 96 school classrooms in the Russian Federation will be equipped with the sets of training Scanning Probe Microscopes NANOEDUCATOR. Earlier these tools have already been installed in Russian universities. Such a program have no parallels in the Western countries and very helpful for young investigators in getting a foretaste of nanotechnology at early education stages. All the commitments of delivery and installation of Nanoeducators fulfills the innovative nanotech company NT-MDT Co.

The installation of Nanoeducators in educational institutions under the Russian Government contract began in 2008. The idea went from the Ministry of Education and Science who devoted funds to this large-scale project and brought it to life. And since than tens and hundreds of Russian students have had the real opportunity to enter the nanoscale world. Nowadays about 200 Nanoeducator classes have already been established world wide. About 130 among them were planted according to the Government contract, the other – at a private initiative of universities, colleges, and research laboratories. If earlier the Government contracted plugging of Nanoeducators only in the higher education institutions, now they are available to schools. According to Government contract of 2009 NT-MDT Co. has already delivered 96 sets and now the specialists are installing them.

In general, the Government “penetration” in nanoeducational process in Russia takes the positive results. Many favorable reports were received and today we can see the first student scientific works. It is noticeable, that at the end of May 2010 NT-MDT Co. will hold an international conference devoted to the results of Nanoeducators usage and nanoeducation experience sharing. A score of professors, lecturers and investigators form different countries of the world are coming to this event. So it is obvious, that the successful initiative of Russian Government in the nanoeducation field is worth be further developed.

And now, what is the NANOEDUCATOR?

It is a scientific training complex with a set of learning aids and accessories for introducing students to nanotechnology and giving them a basic understanding of working with objects at nanoscale level. Nanoeducator is a student oriented SPM, their key to the minuscule world, suitable for even first-time microscope users which can navigate through the step-by-step operation. This device is designed to capture the students interest in science and train future nanotechnologists using both AFM and STM techniques. Usually the training class is equipped by three to five student working places (SPM devices with computers) and additional computer as a teacher workstation. All devices are integrated into the net and can be fully controlled by the teacher’s computer. Even long-distance control can be achieved through wireless protocols.

Nanoeducator provides an interdisciplinary education with a broad understanding of different areas of nanoscience. Owing to such approach, cells, viruses, bacteria can be investigated as well as metals, semiconductors, dielectrics, polymers etc.

Nanoeducator perfectly suited for secondary school as well as for higher education opens student minds for new means of nanoeducation and allows creating the scientific training laboratory equipped by several networked complexes. Class of Nanoeducators is a cost-effective solution for practical training sessions. The main principle of Nanoeducator as a training tool is “plug and play” – the installation is quick and the instrument is ready for work immediately. The educational complex contains the textbooks and set of laboratory works that makes the use of the tool much easier as for teachers, as well as for students.

About NT-MDT Co.

It is a company that produces and provides innovative nanotechnological tools and complexes for scientific and research organizations all over the world. NT-MDT offers expert service and applications development through more than 20 representative offices and distributor centers around the globe. The key branch offices of the company are situated in the Netherlands, Ireland, USA and China. In the past five years, the installed base of the company has grown to over 2000 SPM instruments, promoting growth of both lab and research programs world-wide.