High level science learning centers – innovative community project to develop young science experts and science communicators

Author: Ronen Mir – Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel

Co-authors
Co-authors:
Alemayehu Abera – Steam Village Initiative Ethiopia
Erez Garty – Davidson Institute for Science Education, Israel
Debby Mir – Rambam Medical Center

The story of implementing high level Science Learning Centers for High School students is unfolded. These regional University-School Informal-Formal strategic partnerships bring all Science students, twice weekly, to the Centers, to study all Physics and Chemistry as an integral part of their scheduled classes. In each Center a large team of dedicated teachers, all with advanced scientific research experience, expand and deepen the Science curriculum, providing the students a deep understanding of Science. Students perform numerous experiments using advanced laboratory equipment. From their measurement the students infer the scientific theory, solve problems and exams.

The story of developing three Schwartz/Reisman Science Education Centers in Israel, serving 3,000 students, a collaboration of major municipalities, high schools and the Weizmann Institute of Science is described. The difficulties of the concept will be addressed.

The mentoring process between Israel and Ethiopia that has recently resulted in development of three Shared Science Campuses in Ethiopia’s cities is addressed.

Initial Assessment results show that students develop into Science Experts and Science advocates who are eager to communicate Science with their Community. Assessment results examining the goals and the outcomes of these projects will be presented.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Grouped paper
Theme: Society
Area of interest: Teaching science communication