Seventy-two high school physical science and biology teachers, 180 students during summer workshops, and 24 guidance counselors in Philadelphia use education and information technologies to study and apply concepts in nanotechnology and bioengineering.

The University of Pennsylvania is partnering with the School District of Philadelphia to (1) improve 9th and 10th grade student performance in science, (2) increase student knowledge of nanotechnology and bioengineering, (3) enhance student skills at using information and educational technologies, and (4) increase student awareness of post-secondary educational opportunities and careers in science, technology, and engineering. Teachers are producing grade-appropriate, problem-based, standards-aligned nanotechnology/bioengineering learning activities, using specific educational and information technologies to promote learning, and becoming more aware of post-secondary science, engineering, and IT educational opportunities and careers. The project is measuring the impact of project activities on student learning and teacher classroom practices for the purpose of scaling the program to the district level.