An integrated approach for enhancing the interest of pupils in natural sciences and engineering

Abstract

Studies have shown that interest in natural sciences and technology as well as their applications can be enhanced through independent work of pupils, thus improving their intrinsic motivation. Such an independent work may be implemented e.g. in the context of lessons and visits in science labs for pupils [1]. Due to the steadily increasing content in school curricula - in Germany especially caused by the reduction of the high school duration by one year - many teachers do not find time to perform experiments with their pupils in the lessons. To extend and enhance the general education with independent experiments our science lab SinnTec has developed experiments that are closely aligned to the curriculum [2]. However, a single visit to a science lab alone does not provide the required holistic approach to education in natural sciences and engineering. We have therefor developed an integrated approach offering many different points of interaction between pupils and natural sciences/engineering topics covering exhibits and demonstrators, visits to our science lab as well as events and project work for pupils. A central aspect of the integrated approach is our versatile experimentation platform VenDASys, which allows teachers and especially the pupils to design, develop and perform their own experiments [3]. In this contribution we will outline the different aspects of the holistic approach especially using the VenDASys in combination e.g. with lessons, projects and our science lab for continuously enhancing the interest of young pupils in natural sciences and engineering.