The Training Workshop at Nicolaus Copernicus University, Centre for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
My visit to Poland, thanks to the volcanic ash cloud which lurked ominously over European skies, involved planes, trains and automobiles. The wonderful opportunity to meet likeminded people, whose goal is to improve their teaching of science, was in itself alone worth every second of the trip.
All of the HOU staff as well as the participants shared an enthusiasm for science and the teaching of science which was in itself inspiring. I really enjoyed both the lectures and the workshops, and appreciated the way the former linked nicely into the latter. The various exercises helped to unify, contextualize and reinforce what was being covered elsewhere – they were an integral part of all that was being taught.
I intend using as much of what I was shown as I can, for instance,
- The solar system as a mathlab
- Salsa J software with EU HOU exercises
- The Galileoscope
I am particularly interested in practicing how to use the Faulkes telescope for classroom activities.
There was a suggestion of a possible partnership project with a French school. If such a partnership were possible I would be eager to accept the invitation which would enable me to contribute to an important project and learn from others what I need to know to become a better teacher.
I would love to become part of a team that hopefully turns a subject that may appear distant and alien to some students, into something which, with the help of telescopes and innovative ideas, help to open their eyes to the wonderful and exciting universe which is all around them – and allow them to reach for the stars.
John Murphy,
Douglas, Cork.
May 2010