Good practices

The Irresistible Project
Working Group:Low Achievers in ScienceCountry:Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, TurkeyLanguages:Dutch, English, Greek, PolishAge of students (target group/s):13-14, 15-18Links, resources:http://www.irresistible-project....
The project's main goal is to design activities that foster the involvement of students in scientific research. This will be achieved by combining formal and informal educational approaches to introduce relevant topics (Earth science, Ecology, Energy, Environmental sciences, Geophysics, Meteorology, Nanotechnology, Oceanography) and cutting-edge research into educational programmes. Each of the 10 project partner countries will create a Community of Learners to develop a thematic module. The materials developed in these communities will be implemented in student classrooms. Additionally, the students will have the opportunity to visit research laboratories and other facilities of interest, which will bring them knowledge on the relation between research and innovation. Through this methodology pupils will be familiarised with science.Strong points and opportunities:>• Through the construction and presentation of exhibits on Responsible Research and Innovation teachers and students are introduced to a different type of science from the one that is usually presented in science classes. This may be very attractive for students who do not perform well in the usual science classes.
• The preparation of exhibits on Responsible Research and Innovation helps learners to see that uncertainty and risk are inherent in scientific and technological enterprises.
• The production and presentation of exhibits can involve students in inquiry and discussion. This has often been a successful method for students who typically do not perform well in science classes due to the fact that they do not get motivated by the conventional means to approach science.Limitations:• The program is very new and just building its strength to support science education.
• Capacity of teachers to support without additional training.Added value with regards to the 3 topics of the MASS project:Getting students in touch with real science and scientists and familiarizing them with the process of the scientific method of inquiry in research. This is a unique learning process that can motivate students who have previously been low achievers.Any prerequisites needed:PCs and Internet connection.