Pilot Project: Future technologies
The project aimed to find out the role of innovative technologies used in la Cité de l’espace to improve science learning. The first step was a qualitative survey with schools on a temporary exhibition - “Mission Biospace” – that focused on the future, using a lot of innovative technologies.
Based on the information emerging from this evaluation, a survey was 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 included 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
Outputs
- Global report
- Intermediate evaluation reports
- 3D video planetarium show
- Workshops for primary schools
- Permanent exhibition for children
- Learning resources
Impact The focus was improve the 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
For further information see the PENCIL deliverables:
D10 Assessment of Pilot Projects: Case studies illustrating the work of each of the Pencil pilot projects (pdf, in English).
D24 Pilot Project Outcomes: The objectives, the learning activities used, the methodology employed and the results of the pilot projects (pdf, in English).
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 was opened 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
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