Good results for ISE and the best is yet to come
The partners of the Inspiring Science Education [ISE] project have begun to see the result of their work during the first year of the project.
Science education is an investment for both society as a whole and the next generation of scientists. Bringing scientific culture into primary and secondary schools will inspire children to embrace scientific careers as well as enhance scientific awareness of future generations of policy makers, teachers, lawyers, etc.
The ISE project trains primary and secondary school teachers to use digital tools and resources with the aim of making science more attractive to pupils. In particular, virtual laboratories, simulations and innovative lesson plans are made available. Communities have been created around these resources to encourage teachers to share their experiences.
Collaboration, which is an essential aspect of science research, is also encouraged amongst pupils. On 21 March 2014, thousands of children from all over the world performed the Eratosthenes experiment. They measured the shadow of a one-meter stick and to determine the circumference of Earth by comparing their results with the results of the 340 participating schools. Other activities will be promoted for 2015 and 2016.
The ISE community is open to primary and secondary schools all over Europe. In May 2014, 100 schools joined the project only in Finland. Schools can join the project in 3 easy steps: (1) Contact with the national contact point, who will provide material; (2) Complete the e-maturity questionnaire, which is addressed to educators in order to illustrate school’s strengths and weaknesses in relation to information and communications technologies; and (3) Complete with the national contact point an action plan, in which schools will define specific goals and objectives for their development.
Further information is available on the ISE website.
