A world-renowned U.S. scientist says he is plotting a revolution -- a revolution in the way children around the world are taught science.
Florida State University Professor Harold Kroto has launched an educational initiative called GEO, short for "Global Educational Outreach." Using relatively inexpensive technology, Kroto is creating his own science programs, complete with video feeds and PowerPoint presentations, and making them available via the Internet to classrooms around the world.
"I want kids to think about science and art together; I don't want to separate them," he said. "I also want all our children to be taught together. Whatever their faith, race or nationality, they must learn together -- particularly about the sciences.
"Of course, science must be used wisely, and the only way to ensure that is by good education," he added. "Ignorance allied with irrationality will surely be disastrous."
Kroto is best known for his discovery, with colleagues Richard Smalley and Robert Curl Jr., of buckminsterfullerene, a carbon molecule. The discovery opened a new branch of science known as Fullerene Chemistry and Kroto, Curl and Smalley were awarded the 1996 Nobel Prize for Chemistry.
Copyright 2007 by United Press International
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Nanotechnology of carbon and related materials
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS A OCTOBER ISSUE
Nanotechnology of
carbon and related materials
- a theme issue compiled and edited by Mauricio Terrones and Humberton Terrones
This century has started with an increasing interest in nanoscience and nanotechnology. The idea of creating novel functional materials via miniaturization into a
molecular level is becoming a reality. However, a big effort is still needed in order to achieve the fabrication of efficient and novel nano-machines in which quantum mechanics laws are dominant. This issue, contributed by experts in the field, is the first of its kind and overviews the recent advances of Carbon
Nanoscience and Related Systems. The account includes the synthesis, characterization and applications of nano-structures, especially nanotubes composed of carbon and/or other elements. This will certainly stimulate further experimental and theoretical research that is needed in this new and fascinating area.