Using Service Learning To Teach Students the Importance of Societal Implications of Nanotechnology

Abstract

As the field of nanotechnology develops, resources have been dedicated to studying the societal implications of nanotechnology therefore it is an important topic for an undergraduate course in nanotechnology. A service-learning course project provides students with an opportunity to engage in informing the public because students present topics of nanotechnology to small groups at a local high school. Prior to their service-learning project, students have built a solid understanding of the field and have participated in other assignments that established a theme of the societal implications of nanotechnology. The service-learning course project provides a meaningful learning opportunity that reinforces both the core concepts and the societal implications of nanotechnology.