21-25 November 2005
CERN, Geneva

Workshops

Are there Earth-like planets in other solar systems? - Prof. Didier Queloz (Observatoire de Geneve, and University of Geneva):

Science in School: help design a new European journal for science teachers - Eleanor Hayes, EMBL-EIROForum
This workshop offers the teachers at Science on Stage to give their feedback on a soon-to-be launched European journal for science teachers. The organisers intend to generate feedback on, what the participants would find useful, how they would like it presented, what they might like to contribute, who else the publishers should be telling about it. This journal is aimed at the science teachers of Europe – so come along and tell us what you need and want!

Fusion – powering our future? - Chris Warrick, Mark Westra (EFDA - UK)
Many of the EFDA fusion research laboratories around Europe undertake educational outreach.  This will be a seminar on the challenges of supplying sustainable and clean energy, the basics of fusion research and the way that fusion could contribute to balanced energy portfolio in the future. The route to a fusion power station is through the new huge EFDA international fusion experiment (ITER) in France.  ‘ITER’ will deliver a device on the scale of a power station which will – for the first time – demonstrate net fusion power production.

International Space Station teaching kit - new for primary schools - Barbara Ten Berge, ESA
"Space as a motivating tool for teaching in primary schools" - The ISS Education Kit has been developed to support teachers who are eager to use space as a motivating tool for teaching a variety of subjects ranging from science to art. The kit contains information on astronauts, how they prepare for space, what is the International Space Station and what is it like to live and work on board.  The workshop will provide background information on the development and ideas behind the Primary ISS Education kit. Members of the project team will give examples of how this ISS Education Kit can be used in the classroom.
The workshop participants will receive the ISS Education kit for free.

Gamma-Ray Bursts: Cosmic Flashes at the edge of the Universe -Henri Boffin & Douglas Pierce-Price, ESO
Gamma-ray bursts, the most powerful type of explosion known in the Universe, have been a mystery for more than 30 years. Over the past few years, international efforts, among which ESO's telescopes have played a crucial role, have provided astronomers with many answers to  these cosmic puzzles. In the workshop, astronomers will present the latest knowledge about gamma-ray burst research. Following this, a brainstorming session with the participants will discuss how one can include such a 'hot topic' in schools, for example as part of the ESO/ ESA exercise series.

Sun and Earth movements - Rosa Maria Ros (EAAE)

"Increasing Student's Interest and Engagement: Informal Learning, Hands-On Science and Authentic Lab Experience" Prof. Manfred Euler, Ralf Richter
The workshop shows results of studies that demonstrate the potential of informal learning environments like school-labs and other informal learning environments to enhance students’ interest, to promote more adequate views of science and of the research process. In addition the GENIAL project (Gentechnik in Ausbildung und Labor / genetic engineering in vocational training and laboratory) demonstrates the principles of DNA cloning that are taught by confronting the students with an authentic case: Cloning and subcloning a eukaryotic gene into a prokaryotic host. This approach integrates experiments into the lessons. The presentation shall stimulate exchange of experience and good practice on a European level, to promote ways for better integrating the informal learning experiences with the formal school system.

The interdisciplinary approach to science teaching - Richard Bräucker and Klaus Buschhüter (Germany)
Somehow rather unobserved, an interdisciplinary arranged part of natural science education has been established in European school systems.  The challenge of this workshop is to provide a basis for a common curriculum of interdisciplinary science teaching being aware of the importance of systematically acquired knowledge in natural science but lining out the sustainable chances of this way of science teaching. The workshop is a continuation of the process different ways of teaching science in Europe organised by the German NSC, it is open to all participants.

Original stories to teach physics to 13 year old students - Debbie Chetcuti and Chris Schembri (Malta)
This session shows a number of original stories used to teach physics to 13year old students. The stories are origin and give students background information about particular concepts in physics, such as forces. They introduce scientists who contributed to a physics area, e.g. Newton. With the method of questioning and discussion the students are encouraged to develop ideas and come to an understanding of the physics concepts. The stories end with a hands-on activity that the students can easily carry out. Finally students are engaged in creative writing tasks to consolidate their learning. The workshop shows posters presenting examples of physics stories and photographs of students.

Photography, a Motivating Introduction to Science - Rupert Genseberger (Netherlands)
The workshop will be organised like a class on the topic for students aged around 14.  Practical work with photographic materials will have a central place and participants will learn about the principles of light, photographic materials, cameras, enlargements and chemistry, forming a knowledge base useful for many other areas of science.

Flying on stage - Manuel Hernandez and Juan Bedialauneta (Spain)
The workshop focuses on the construction of a circular electric flight balsa plane, which increases attraction of the students and which can be easily adapted in different classroom settings. The plane flies around a pole, powered by an electric motor. It is controlled by an electronic circuit. All the parts can be made by pupils from 12 to 14 years. With the plane a couple of physics exercises can be taught, e.g. measurements about linear/angular speed, motor power, or electrical measurements.

Using Ambassadors to enrich science in the classroom, Liz Willcocks, Steve Smyt (UK)
Participants will learn about SETNET’s Science and Engineering Ambassadors (SEAs) Programme, which provides an infrastructure for enthusiastic scientists and engineers to support teachers in delivering exciting, inspiring science and technology in the classroom.

Children Challenging Industry, Joy Parvin, Justine Joule, Mike Whiting (UK)
Children’s and teachers’ perceptions of industry are often negative, and classroom teaching rarely reflects or relates to the diverse roles of scientists in the workplace. This workshop will demonstrate, how the project Children Challenging Industry motivates teachers and children regarding the links between school science and science-based industries. During the workshop the model of classroom-based training also for primary teachers will be explained.

Particle Physics and Cosmology: Why are they related? - Prof. Igor Tkatchev (CERN)

The Virtual DNA Microarray - Anastasios Ktousos, Julia Willingale-Theune, Alexandra Manaia (EMBL)
During this workshop participants will learn about fundamental concepts of molecular biology (DNA structure, transcription, translation, hybridization). The Workshop organisers introduce principles of small and large scale gene expression analysis. The participants will get familiar with the applications of DNA microarrays (or DNA-chips) technology  by playing a game, using 'hardware' (a custom-made mat, Velcro and torches) and 'software' (metaphors). Participants get glimpses of DNA chip technology possible applications, through diverse examples and exercises.

Planetary Systems - Francis Berthomieu (EAAE)

Astronomy and Astrophysics for Beginners - Rosa Maria Ros, Francis Berthomieu,  Alan Pickwick (EAAE) & guest speaker from European Southern Observatory (ESO)
The European Association for Astronomy Education will offer a series of four workshops throughout the festival.  By means of simple materials and motivating methods, they will cover three topics that allow the teaching of astronomy to pupils aged 12-15: Sun and Earth movements, Planetary Systems and Astrophysics.  The final session will introduce ESO’s ALMA interdisciplinary project. No previous background in Astronomy is required – just curiosity! How do we know the distance to stars and galaxies? How do we know the motion of stars and galaxies?  How do we connect this data to make a model of our Universe? The workshop will explore the cosmic distance scale from its origins with Henrietta Swan Leavitt via Edwin Hubble to the latest supernova data.  It will contrast Hubble's original expansion data with the latest results from distant supernovae.  It will touch on Dark Matter and Dark Energy.

There will be student exercises to try and quizzes to attempt!!  

Better education with Cinema and Science - Heinz Oberhummer (Austria)
The EU-project Cinema and Science (CISCI) combines the two most popular media among youngsters, namely movies and the internet, aiming to stimulate interest in science while dispelling widely-spread misconceptions that arise from pseudo-science. A free database with clips and scenes from popular movies and documentaries will illustrate scientific concepts and analyzing their scientific content of different disciplines. On a web-based platform CISCI provides new classroom resources for school teachers and pupils. The workshop gives first insight into the contents provided by CISCI.

The Martian Base ‘Marsgateway’ - Veselka Radeva (Bulgaria)
Apracticaldemonstration “Let’smakeaMartianbase” showsin front of European teachers how a team of 2 teachers and 2 students will make a Martian base. The workshop demonstrates how the various stages of the work can be used in the educational process. A computer presentation will illustrate the aims, ideas and stages of the educational interdisciplinary project “Martian base”.

“Moving biology “ - (sports and biology), Renate Wollscheid, Jan Illgen (Germany)
This workshop represents an example of successful interdisciplinary working between scientific and sociological subjects in the secondary school. A co-operation between the two subjects biology- and sport instruction gives the pupils and teachers a possibility to apply theoretical aspects of the metabolism on practical exercises. These experiences may lead to a deeper comprehension of the theory.

Science in Primary School, Monika Musilek-Hofer (Austria) - 1st part
Teachers in primary school are not always well prepared and trained to teach science. But especially this period in school has main influence on the pupils´ further interest in science. Having this in mind the group (established in November 2004) deals with three main topics: Teachers education and advanced training, good practices for science teaching and websites for science in primary schools. The workshop is a continuation of the process different ways of teaching science in Europe organised by the German NSC, it is open to all participants.

Role of the experiment in teaching science, Annette Schmitt, Jürgen Mierike (Germany) - 1st part
Experiments are essential in science teaching. But it is of great importance to choose the right experiments including an appropriate didactical and methodical preparation to optimize the learning process. Since not all consequences resulting out of this could be regarded in the working process the working group (estabilshed in Nov. 2004) decided to focus on two main topics: How to make pupils more interested. The 2nd topic is: Astronomy – Construction of the world view. The workshop is a continuation of the process different ways of teaching science in Europe organised by the German NSC, it is open to all participants.

Peer Education in the Teaching of Experimental Sciences - Grazia Blanca, Daniela Lanfranco and Angela Turricchia (Italy) - 1st part
This workshop will investigate peer education, whereby older students teach younger ones.  The chairpersons have carried out an experiment between two schools based on peer education in a chemistry laboratory.  They will describe their methodology and materials and invite others to discuss their experiences.

You Don’t Know What You See - Rob Ouwerkerk & Henk Buisman (Netherlands)
Following the on-stage lecture with the same title, this workshop will further explore the subjects of stereovision and perception.  Some simple experiments will be carried out, which can be repeated in classrooms.  Participants will also learn how to make 3D images with a digital camera.

An Introduction to Science Across the World and its use a tool for Peer Assessment, Jacquie Ashton (UK)
Science Across the World is a web-based project in which students in 111 countries are able to share data, ideas and opinions on a variety of science topics.  There are currently 21 topics, covering all aspects of science from primary level to post 16.  Participants will gain an introduction to the project its’ topics, methods of communication, advantages for students and teachers and using the database and web site.

Physics in Medicine: Advances in Diagnostics and Therapy - Prof. Ugo Amaldi (University of Milano Bicocca, and TERA foundation)

Fusion to students or students to fusion? - Chris Warrick, Mark Westra (EFDA - UK)
This workshop will investigate the advantages and disadvantages of a school visit to a laboratory and interactive talks in a school.  An example of the latter (The Fusion Roadshow developed by FOM – the Dutch fusion laboratory) will be presented – followed by an open discussion. The aim of this workshop is to get the teachers view of which approach is the best – so EFDA (and other EIRO forum) laboratories can tailor their activities to most benefit the students.  NB: Although both workshops are obviously linked – attendees need not come to both – they will work just as well as stand alone events.

ESA resources for intersdisciplinary classroom projects - Anne Brumfitt (ESA-EIROForum)
This workshop introduces ESA material for teachers in a hands-on, explorative way. Teachers will learn about the variety of ESA’s space related material which they can use in lessons across the curriculum and the age / ability spectrum. 

ALMA interdisciplinary project - (EAAE)

Physics and the Bicycle - Charles Dauwe (Belgium)
Following the on-stage lecture with the same title, this workshop further explores the interplay between sports and physics. The workshop also contains a number of hands-on activities, such as riding bicycles with inverted gyroscopic effect, or with negative trail, studying the physics of cornering with a wet tire bicycle etc

The Computer and its Sense Organs - Bernhard Horlacher (Germany)
The chairperson and his student team have been trying to help their computer detect movements and optical phenomena.  Participants to this workshop will learn how they have given their computer “sense organs” - a sound card for ears, a webcam for eyes and a mouse for the sense of touch because it transforms movements into digital signals.  A fun way to enrich science lessons!

Science in Primary School, Monika Musilek-Hofer (Austria) - 2nd part
Teachers in primary school are not always well prepared and trained to teach science. But especially this period in school has main influence on the pupils´ further interest in science. Having this in mind the group (established in November 2004) deals with three main topics: Teachers education and advanced training, good practices for science teaching and websites for science in primary schools. The workshop is a continuation of the process different ways of teaching science in Europe organised by the German NSC, it is open to all participants.

Role of the experiment in teaching science, Annette Schmitt, Jürgen Mierike (Germany) - 2nd part
Experiments are essential in science teaching. But it is of great importance to choose the right experiments including an appropriate didactical and methodical preparation to optimize the learning process. Since not all consequences resulting out of this could be regarded in the working process the working group (estabilshed in Nov. 2004) decided to focus on two main topics: How to make pupils more interested. The 2nd topic is: Astronomy – Construction of the world view. The workshop is a continuation of the process different ways of teaching science in Europe organised by the German NSC, it is open to all participants.

Astronomy teaching as science transfer into schools, Michael Geffert, Prof. Dr. K.-H. Lotze, Christiane Helling (Germany)
The workshop is dedicated to an exchange of experience of teaching astronomy to increase the interest in natural science. Different ideas of teaching will be presented to motivate teachers to use astronomical experiments in their classes and practical examples of teaching astronomy to different levels will be illustrated.

Peer Education in the Teaching of Experimental Sciences - Grazia Blanca, Daniela Lanfranco and Angela Turricchia (Italy) - 2nd part
This workshop will investigate peer education, whereby older students teach younger ones.  The chairpersons have carried out an experiment between two schools based on peer education in a chemistry laboratory.  They will describe their methodology and materials and invite others to discuss their experiences.

Energy sources - Chris Schembri and Elton Micallef (Malta)
The workshop focuses on models related to renewable energy sources. The workshop  demonstrates how students researched possibilities for sources to generate renewable energies in Malta and in Middle East countries. The workshop will be illustrated with videos and models from the lessons. 

Physics, Chemistry and technology based on real space data for secondary schools - Samuel Buisan Sanz and Francisco Gallego (Spain)
The workshop shows some educational resources based on space data that can be easily adapted to the classroom. The organisers also show technological devices inspired on space that be easily built by students.

The Theatre of Science  - Simon Turley, Jo Loosemore (UK)
This workshop demonstrates the innovation in the Theatre of Science project in terms of science/drama classroom activity. It will explore the possibilities of developing new plays through the experimental associations between playwrights and scientists. Participants will learn how to use theatre in science and citizenship multi-disciplinary teaching.