From children's play to scientific experiments

The staff of the Centre for Science and Technology Education concentrate on working with teachers, school students, parents, educators and researchers to network and establish an appropriate balance between playing and experimenting, between the child and science education, and between theory and practice. We primarily engage in research and development, with basic and continuing education, services and evaluation coming a close second. Current projects include a tri-national video study of the teaching of physics in Finland, Germany and Switzerland; HarmoS Science; multi-subject teaching; and internal differentiation in the teaching of physics. Projects exploring teaching development include SWISE (Swiss Science Education), while service-oriented projects include consultancy on the installation of school laboratories and trade fair stands; the development of new syllabuses, and the design of scientific and technical learning materials. Our projects cover all ages, from the kindergarten and compulsory schooling stages to the gymnasial, vocational training and university levels, including extracurricular education. The disciplines we cover when doing so include the standard taught subjects of biology, chemistry and physics, as well as general sciences / integrated subjects such as natural history and 'man, society and the environment', plus engineering, sustainable development, environmental education, and health promotion.