Source: University of Miami

Credit: Francisco Raymo, Professor of Chemistry and Director of the laboratory for molecular photonics, at the University of Miami,College of Arts and Sciences.

This article written by Professor Francisco Raymo, from the University of Miami has really captivated my interest in nano technology.  The articles speaks about nano particles having the capacity of being carriers of medicines to specific cells in the body to deliver either medicine to heal the cells or destroy cancerous cells without harming the good cells and their environment.  The article also mentions chemical reactions taking place within the cell, without using transferring energy from other sources.

It is particularly interesting to know that surface area to volume ratios play a huge  part in the  execution of the process delivering these medicines. Common Core 8 EE, has a direct mathematical connection at an 8th grade math level,where students have to study the scientific notation concept since nano is 10  to the negative 9th power.  Common Core G (Geometry) deals with surface area and volume of 3-D figures. Using this nano technology  and allowing students to explore the nature of nano particles will help students to understand and appreciate why these concepts are taught at the middle school level. It makes learning more relevant.

I stumbled into this program just like, ‘Alice in Wonderland’, where I did not know what I was getting into. In the  initial interview I was asked some questions about my style of teaching and what I was going to do.  I still did not have any clue as to what I was getting into. I thought, ‘Oh just another long PD opportunity’.  I was astonished when I learnt what all the program delivered.

I started last week at the NC State Raleigh location, and was exposed to a whole list of terms and terminologies that sounded like a foreign language. I was very intimidated and concerned as to what I had led myself in.  The first week experience was daunting, but challenging.   I was amazed as to what ‘Nano Technology’ meant and its implications on the Health Care industry.  I really felt that I had stepped into the  Futuristic Nano World and I could go and explore and learn, not to mention how little I know about this field of science.

This week I am in Cullowee, NC at the NCCAT facility and I am exited and awed by the information and invaluable information that is presented so far.  What do I expect from the KFP program? Let me see…..,

First and foremost, meet people from different disciplines and experience who will teach me to incorporate all that I learn into my math curriculum, when I go back to school in the fall.

Secondly, how to use cutting edge technology in the classroom effectively  so that students get exited to learn and explore new ideas and information. I really like to ‘Wow” my students about the math that they are learning.

Third, use the information given on Nano Technology, and understand it to an extent where I feel very comfortable talking about it to my students and peers.  I need to know that it is alright to ask questions, and I have a lot, especially, since I am not a Science teacher. So far the Kenan presenters have made me feel very very comfortable asking questions and letting me know that all questions are important to them.  I see the passion in their eyes when they talk about how much they want us to learn and enjoy doing that.

Lastly, I need KFP, to support me throughout this year, when I am actually presenting a lesson, providing resources about the information and technologies that I have learnt here.  KFP is an opportunity that will be an exiting journey to travel on.  Even though I have been teaching for several years,  and have been through various PD workshops, this is going to best PD program that I will ever participate in.  I look forward in anticipation of where all this is going to lead me, inspire me and make me a better teacher.