astroEDU at Science Projects Workshop in the Future Classroom Lab and Scientix Projects’ Networking Event
by Tibisay Sankatsing Nava and Deirdre Kelleghan
The 5th Scientix Projects Workshop in the Future Classroom Lab and 3rd Scientix Projects’ Networking event was held on 20 and 21 February at European Schoolnet. Representatives of 13 projects (such as ENGINEER, Inspiring Science Education and Go-Lab) got together to present their projects, participate in a workshop and explore opportunities for collaboration.
During the networking meeting, astroEDU representative, Tibisay Sankatsing Nava presented an overview of the astroEDU, discussed the idea behind the platform, the peer-review process and how to contribute as an author or reviewer. Also the award winning astroEDU activity Star in a Box, developed by Edward Gomes of LCOGT, was highlighted. The presentation was received with positive feedback and several project leaders expressed their interest to use the peer-review platform and the activity.
The presentation sessions were followed by a workshop titled ‘Teachers’ Participation in STEM Projects,’ in which participants discussed the successes and challenges encountered in engaging teachers with the international projects. astroEDU team included Deirdre Kelleghan, an educator from Ireland who presented the activity ‘Deadly Moons.’ While Star in a Box simplified the sequences of stellar evolution for older teens, Deadly Moons showed itself as a popular resource for younger children and from the positive reaction in the room, it resonated with the child in everyone. The peer reviewed status of Star in a Box and Deadly Moons gives these and other astroEDU content a practical advantage in the inquiry based learning genre. Many of the participants attending the event expressed interest in actually taking part in workshops using these educational materials.
Participants also enjoyed a tour of European Schoolnet’s Future Classroom Lab — a ‘showroom’ for alternative, technology-oriented classrooms, where they could explore the teaching possibilities that technology introduces.
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