The third transnational teaching-learning-training event 20-22 June 2022

The third learning-teaching-training seminar of the project took place in June 20 – 22 (2022), which was held face-to-face in Umeå (Sweden) and hosted by the Umeå University, Department of Science and Mathematics Education, by Oleg Popov in charge. The participants of the seminar (17) were project core staff, but also teachers and educators of the partner and associated partner organisations.

In the first day, the project outcomes so far were outlined and discussed among the participants. Overview of the first school intervention, both successes and challenges, was given by Ave Vitsut and Marie-Johanna Univer (virtually) (Viljandi Gymnasium, associated partner). Respective pre-post questionnaire results were introduced by Katrin Vaino (University of Tartu). Public myths about space and space explorations, but also about evolution, were outlined and contrasted with the current scientific understanding by Hans Orru and Oleg Popov (Umeå University) and Konstantinos Korfiatis (University of Cyprus), respectively. Both topics were brainstormed together with respect to the potential methodological approaches to be used within the learning materials created. Anna Strid from Tegs Central School (associated partner) introduced her approach to conduct an energy debate in science classroom.

The second day was opened by Christina Ottander from Umeå University who introduced recent developments in socio-scientific issue-based teaching approach and her respective research.

Ideas about the potential content for the methodological guidebook to be produced (IO1), were generated and discussed amongst the group. This activity was led by Konstantinos Korfiatis, Triin Rosin (University of Tartu), and Katrin Vaino.  The project’s visual outcomes (intro videos,“fact videos”, and project trailer) were demonstrated by Arroio Arts School team (Márcio Martins, João Duarte, João Ribeiro, Céu Guarda), after which feedback was provided by the rest of the audience on the created material.  The photo exhibition on the environmental changes made by Arroio students and teachers, was opened by Céu Guarda.  After an exhaustive seminar day, the participants had an opportunity to take an exiting walking tour around the central part of Umeå showing how artists from different parts of the world had contributed to the city’s art-landscape together with Oleg.

Novel and creative ways for learning science were demonstrated by Clélia Alves and Maria Eduarda Oliveira (Professor Armando de Lucena School, associated partner) which was followed by workshop where the participants had an opportunity to practice cyano type technique by themselves. Their presentation ended-up with a catchy video greeting of their school.

The participants had also a great opportunity to visit Curiosum, a science popularisation unit in Umeå, for obtaining novel ideas to be used in partner organisations and for the project. The visit was guided by the director of the unit, Madelen Bodin.

In the third day of the seminar, the participants  could pick up a number of ideas about how to disseminate the project and its results so it is really heard from the virtual presentation given by the project’s external consultant, Bulent Cavas (Dokuz Eylul University, Turkey).

The seminar was finished by setting goals for the next period of the project. Those who wanted, had the opportunity to visit Tegs Central School together with Anna Strid.

The seminar was supported by lovely Nordic whether and held in a great and friendly spirit.

Thank you for your great contribution! To the next meeting!