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Relevant initiatives

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RELEVANT INITIATIVES FORM

Title of Initiative / Project
Unlocking the Universe
Name of Organiser
Space Today Uk Ltd
Start and ending date of the Initiative
2011-2013
Web site
http://www.europeansharedtreasure.eu/detail.php?id_project_base=2011-1-GB2-GRU06-05284
Level
European
Was the initiative carried out in the framework of a funded project?
Yes
Funding Programme
Grundtvig partnerships
Title of the project
Unlocking the Universe
Promoter
Space Today Uk Ltd
Project number
2011-1-GB2-GRU06-05284
Type of deliverables
Teaching Methodology, Didactical resource
Thematic area
Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Science
Language of the deliverable
Polish, Slovak, English
Target Group
Teachers, Students
Description of the initiative
UTU Unlocking The Universe Engaging adult learners in informal opportunities linked to European science heritage was the aim of this Grundtvig learning partnership. France, Poland, Slovakia and the UK worked together with adult learners, including those with sensory disadvantages, to develop illustrated case studies and artwork celebrating four scientific pioneers: Nicolaus Copernicus (1473 - 1543), Léon Foucault (1819 – 1868), Mikuláš Konkoly Thége (1842 – 1916) and Joseph Norman Lockyer (1836 – 1920). These 4 scientists used the technology of their times to advance our understanding of the Universe: Copernicus deduced the correct position of the Sun in our solar system; Foucault calculated the speed of light and developed the largest silvered-glass mirror telescope in the world; whilst Konkoly and Lockyer developed instrumentation to analyse the chemistry of the Sun and the stars. The partnership work plan included four transnational workshops - each linking with relevant scientific observatories and archive materials. Heritage exhibits and artwork were created with adult learners. These seniors were also encouraged to volunteer as exhibition guides in partner countries for a touring exhibition between August 2011 and July 2013. Illustrated case studies of the scientific pioneers using timelines were produced for the project film and translated into all partner languages. Some resources produced used tactile surfaces to enable visually-impaired learners to access the project. Partners included the PRIDES PACA Livres-Disques who linked with the Observatoire de Marseille (France), Slovak Central Observatory in Hurbanovo (Slovakia), Olsztyn Planetarium & Astronomical Observatory (Poland), and Space Today UK in Hereford who linked with the Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge (UK). A stained glass panel celebrating the four scientific pioneers was designed, produced and installed in Olsztyn Observatory in Poland.
More Information
Strengths
Makes science accessible
Stirs students interest in scientific issues
Brings scientists and their discoveries closer to students
Weaknesses
Takes time to detect informal opportunities
Takes time to prepare such activities
Teachers’ Opinion
Strengths
Transferability potential in the classroom
Stimulates students’ interest in science and technology
Helps impaired students to visualize concepts
Enables impaired students’ access to science
Engages students in activities
Weaknesses
Time consuming (searching/ preparing activities)
Not enough activities to create a solid basis
Students’ Opinion
Strengths
Attractive and accessible
Enables access to science through informal activities
Involves students in activities
Stirs students’ interest in science
Weaknesses
Not enough activities

Comments on this Relevant initiatives

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Date: 2015.02.22

Posted by Massimo Amato (Italy)

Astronomy is a science essential for the knowledge of our universe and always stirs emotions and hopes.
The students of first and second degree are always fascinated by astronomy, although sometimes be proposal without going into too much detail. From here, if the interest continues, it is possible to discover, deduce, comprehend all the knowledge of astronomy and see the philosophical implications that follows.
Many times I introduce astronomy to my student with a big interest!

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