Abstract:

The rapid development and impact of nanoscience and nanotechnology (NSNT) on economy has led policy makers and educators to focus on nanotechnology education. The two main views concerning appropriate level to teach nanoscience and nanotechnology (NSNT): The first favors teaching in higher education; the second recommends familiarizing and teaching in all grade levels. Aim of this study is to determine the opinions about NSNT education and to propose NSNT education for biology curriculum using the current status. A teacher interview form was used for data collection and applied to 121 biology teachers. Data collected via questionnaires were analyzed through quantitative descriptive analysis. Biology teachers’ opinions of NSNT education focused on definition, awareness, importance and developments, benefits, applications, risks and ethical issues. Participants presented view of integrating nanotechnology topics into the curriculum and expected a positive impact on students’ career preferences. Teachers believed that prior training and readiness were not meeting the required levels; also, difficulties such as conceptualization and mentally visualizing, technical and infrastructure deficiencies, were the serious obstacles to be overcome for successful implementation. High cost was also a negative impact on integration of NSNT in schools/classes.

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