Schülerlabore (non-formal laboratories) – A German invention

Schülerlabore (non-formal laboratories) – A German invention

Schülerlabore (non-formal laboratories) –
A German invention
Prof. Dr. Petra Skiebe-Corrette
Freie Universität Berlin, Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy
1. Schülerlabore (informal science laboratories)
2. Networks of Schülerlabore
3. Categories and examples of Schülerlabore which focus on
technology
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Sommeruni 2012, 23 Juli
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What is a Schülerlabor (informal science laboratory)?
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An out-of-school laboratory where school students
perform experiments
§ 
§ 
§ 
§ 
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In an authentic environment
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Mostly as complete classes
Duration: ½ day or longer
Topics: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Technology
Topics related to the research of the institute and/or
related to the school curriculum
Often contact with scientists or university students
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Why were Schülerlabore founded?
§ 
Difficulties in finding qualified employees (students, scientists, trainees)
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Increase the interest in science and technology
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Introduce a realistic and modern picture of science and technology
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Contribute to science education
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Centers of pre- and post-service teacher training
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Centers for research on teaching and learning
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Publicity
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Number of Schülerlabore in Germany
- 311
100
90
- About 600,000
visitors a year
80
Percent
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014
Year
Source: LernortLabor
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Host organizations
Universities
41.3%
None profit organizations
12.1%
Research organizations
10.7%
Industry
9.7%
Trade school
7.0%
others
19.2%
Source: LernortLabor
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Topic of activities
Multiple sciences
STEM
Chemistry
Computer science
Physics
Mathematics
Biology
Social science
Technology
Medicine
Geological sciences
Source: LernortLabor
8
Target groups in %
school grades
pre-school
1-4
5+6
7 - 10
teachers
11 - 13
pre-service
post-service
Source: LernortLabor
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National network of Schülerlabore
311 Schülerlabore
120 Schülerlabore
Source: LernortLabor
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Local network of Schülerlabore
Source: LernortLabor
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SCHÜLERLABORE
in research institutions, universities and museum
in Berlin und Brandenburg
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Zentrum für Studierendengewinnung und Studienvorbereitung – College
Mobiles Schülerlabor „Science on Tour“
Science on Tour-Bus
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Histological staining of cartilage-tissue
DNA - Fingerprinting
Programming of a microcontroller
Chemical experiments related to medical
technology
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Zentrum für Studierendengewinnung und Studienvorbereitung – College
Mobiles Schülerlabor „Science on Tour“
Advantages of a mobile Schülerlabor for schools
•  Simpler access to high level experiments
•  Low organizational effort
•  No travel expenses
•  No additional cancellation of
classes
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Does your Schülerlabor combine STEM education with environmental
education?
Yes
No
Source: LernortLabor
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Percent (%)
How long has your Schülerlabor been combining STEM education with
environmental education?
Source: LernortLabor
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None
We plan new topic
Air pollution
Change of land use
Loss of biodiversity
Biochemical cycles,
especially N and P
Clean drinking water
Ozone
Acidification of the
oceans
Climate change
Chemical pollution
Percent (%)
Which of these topics does your Schülerlabor
address?
Source: LernortLabor
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Thank you!
Prof. Dr. Petra Skiebe-Corrette
Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy
www.tuwas-deutschland.de/
www.bcp.fu-berlin.de/natlab
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