The Nebraska Nanoscale Facility (NNF) is now accepting applications from middle school teachers for its four day, 2026 Nanoscience Summer Institute for Middle School Teachers (NanoSIMST) in partnership with Stanford University and sponsored by the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI). This is a Virtual Workshop (Zoom), that usually goes 9:00 AM - 3:00 each day.
Key Information
Dates: June 16 - 19, 2026
Applications Due: April 18, 2026
Contacts: Steve Wignall - swignall4@unl.edu or 402-472-6078
Jenna Huttenmaier- jenna.huttenmaier@unl.edu or 402-472-2716
Workshop Goals
Equip middle school teachers with nanoscience content knowledge, lessons, and hands-on activities to bring back into their classrooms. The Equipment and Activities will be mailed to you before the first class. (Approx. $250 value)
Stipend
After fully participating in NanoSIMST, teachers can receive up to a $700 stipend after completion of SIMST and $300 for classroom implementation.
Program Requirements
- US citizenship
- Participants will need to attend all daily meetings, tours, and other activities during the entire program
- Follow-up activities: curriculum implementation during the academic year
Content
- Learn about quantum, nanoscience and engineering through lectures, hands-on activities, tours, and guest speakers
- Develop lesson plans to bring back to classrooms
- Session on the social and ethical implications of quantum/nanotechnology
- Opportunity to work with scopes in the Materials Characterization Facility
- Career panel featuring reps from different local companies