The Engagement of Young Children with Nanotechnology Concepts through Digital Games: The Case of Water Purification with Nanomaterials

PDF (ελληνικά)
Published: Apr 6, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/codiste.7639
Pandora Dorouka
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2267-7592
Christothea Papadaki
Abstract

With the increasing availability of nanotechnology products, there is a growing need for students to develop nano-literacy. Digital games in English and Greek have been designed to encourage children to engage with nanotechnology concepts in the context of water purification. This three-stage research aims to measure the effectiveness of these games in enhancing understanding of nanotechnology concepts. Fifty-three 4th-grade students constitute the experimental group of the study. Data is collected through a questionnaire containing open-ended questions, with responses analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Initial findings indicate that the intervention has a positive impact on nano-literacy.

Article Details
  • Section
  • 14th Panhellenic Conference of Didactics in Science Education
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
Author Biography
Christothea Papadaki

EFL Teacher-Headteacher in Primary Education

References
Delgado, C., Stevens, S. Y., Shin, N., & Krajcik, J. (2015). A middle school instructional unit for size and scale contextualized in nanotechnology. Nanotechnology Reviews, 4(1), 51–69. https://doi.org/10.1515/ntrev-2014-0025
Dorouka, P., & Kalogiannakis, M. (2023). Teaching nanotechnology concepts in early-primary education: An experimental study using digital games. International Journal of Science Education, 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2023.2234567
Dorouka, P., Kalogiannakis, M., & Blonder, R. (2024). Tablets and apps for promoting nanoliteracy in early childhood education: Results from an experimental study. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 33(6), 910–927. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-024-10012-3
Dorouka, P., Papadakis, S., & Kalogiannakis, M. (2021a). Nanotechnology and mobile learning: Perspectives and opportunities in young children’s education. International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 13(3), 237–252. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJTEL.2021.115927
Dorouka, P., Papadakis, S., & Kalogiannakis, M. (2021b). The contribution of the health crisis to young children’s nano-literacy through STEAM education. Hellenic Journal of STEM Education, 2(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.51724/hjstemed.v2i1.20
Jones, G. M., Gardner, G. E., Falvo, M., & Chevrier, J. (2013). Nanotechnology and nanoscale science: Educational challenges. International Journal of Science Education, 35(9), 1490–1512. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2013.823014
Lin, S. Y., Wu, M. T., Cho, Y. I., & Chen, H. H. (2015). The effectiveness of a popular science promotion program on nanotechnology for elementary school students in I-Lan City. Research in Science & Technological Education, 33(1), 22–37. https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2014.971733
Magana, A. J., Brophy, S. P., & Bryan, L. A. (2012). An integrated knowledge framework to characterize and scaffold size and scale cognition (FS2C). International Journal of Science Education, 34(14), 2181–2203. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2012.700530
Mandrikas, A., Michailidi, E., & Stavrou, D. (2020). Teaching nanotechnology in primary education. Research in Science & Technological Education, 38(4), 377–395. https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2019.1631783
Peikos, G., Spyrtou, A., Pnevmatikos, D., & Papadopoulou, P. (2021, March). Primary school students’ preconceptions about the term nanotechnology and the water nano-filters. In New perspectives in science education–Proceedings of the 10th International Conference New Perspectives in Science Education (pp. 227–282). Filodiritto Editore.
Peikos, G., Spyrtou, A., Pnevmatikos, D., & Papadopoulou, P. (2022). A teaching learning sequence on nanoscience and nanotechnology content at primary school level: Evaluation of students’ learning. International Journal of Science Education, 44(12), 1932–1957. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2022.2105976
Saidi, T., & Sigauke, E. (2017). The use of museum-based science centers to expose primary school students in developing countries to abstract and complex concepts of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 26, 470–480. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-017-9694-9
Sakhnini, S., & Blonder, R. (2015). Essential concepts of nanoscale science and technology for high school students based on a Delphi study by the expert community. International Journal of Science Education, 37(11), 1699–1738. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2015.1035687
Stevens, S., Sutherland, L., & Krajcik, J. S. (2009). The big ideas of nanoscale science & engineering: A guidebook for secondary teachers. NSTA Press.
Wang, Z., Wu, A., Colombi Ciacchi, L., & Wei, G. (2018). Recent advances in nanoporous membranes for water purification. Nanomaterials, 8(2), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8020065