Content analysis of Nanotechnology experimental teaching materials in primary and secondary schools in Taiwan

This study investigates the occurrence and relationships among significant nanotechnology concepts employed in the experimental teaching materials developed by primary and secondary seed teachers during Phase I of the National Science and Technology Program in Nanotechnology (2003 to 2008). This study adopts the core principles or "big ideas" of nanoscale science and engineering education, namely size and scale, structure of matter, forces and interactions, quantum effects, size-dependent properties, self-assembly, tools and instruments, models and simulations, and science, technology, and society (Stevens, Sutherland, & Krajcik, 2009), to compile a checklist of scientific terms in nine dimensions, and uses Microsoft Excel to analyze 209 teaching materials from each educational level. The investigation results revealed that 10 to 12 teaching materials from each level used more scientific keywords and had stronger relationships; the highest occurrence frequency and strongest relationships were between size and scale, structure of matter, and size effects. The results of this study can provide a reference for establishing nanotechnology curriculum indicators of primary and secondary education and developing nanotechnology teaching materials.