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Pilot Project: Future technologies for science learning

The project aims to find out the role of innovative technologies used in la Cité de l’espace to improve science learning. The first step will give us a qualitative survey with schools on a temporary exhibition - “Mission Biospace” – that focuses on the future, using a lot of innovative technologies.

Thanks to the information emerging from this evaluation, a survey will be launched to compare three ways of learning in la Cité de l’espace: hands-on, workshops and innovative technologies such as 3D video in the planetarium. These surveys will include tests of prototypes with schools, teachers' workshops, children's work and student surveys.

Target age group
8-12 years old

Languages
English and French

Methodology

Qualitative surveys
Teachers' workshops
Tests of hands-on prototypes with schools
Production of interactive learning objects
Teacher support and recommendations

Location
The testing of prototypes and project evaluation will take place in La Cité de l’espace, while workshops will be held both in the museum and in schools.

Planned outputs
Global report – 6/2006
Intermediate evaluation reports
3D video planetarium show – 10/2005
Workshops for primary schools – 10/2005
Permanent exhibition for children – 4/2006
Learning resources – 4/2006

Impact
The focus will be to improve our ways of teaching for primary schools by identifying good practices, and disseminating them to influence teaching methods via teacher training and other approaches.

Evaluation strategy
Questionnaires
Interviews
Tests

Pilot coordinator

Cité de l’espace, Toulouse, France

La Cité de l’espace officially opened on 27th June 1997 with an exhibition covering an area of 2500 square metres. The exhibition consists of 200 units including hands-on displays, interactive terminals, software programs, and presentations. The centre covers 4 ha and features a full-scale replica of the Ariane 5 rocket, a Mir Station open to the public, and a hall devoted to audiovisual shows called Terr@dome. An IMAX cinema opens there in May 2005.

Contact details
Cité de l’espace
Avenue Jean Gonord
BP 5855
31 506 TOULOUSE cedex 5
France
www.cite-espace.com

Project coordinator
Christophe Chaffardon, Learning Manager
c.chaffardon@cite-espace.com

Partners

Educational partners
Primary Schools
Ecole Guillaumet, Toulouse, France
Ecole Jean Macé, Toulouse, France
Ecole Lamartine, Rouffiac, France
Ecole Fabre, Toulouse, France

Secondary Schools
Collège Château de l’Hers, Toulouse, France
Collège Louise Michel, L’Isle-Jourdain, France

Academic partners

Rectorat de l’Académie de Toulouse (National Education Department), France
IUFM Midi-Pyrénées (University centre in science of education), France