Helliversum

Innovative formats for science communication at the HELLEUM children's and Youth Research Center HELLEUM on "Life in Space"

Project duration: 01/03/2023 - 31/12/2023

Principal investigator: Visiting Prof. Dr. Anke Renger

Project staff: Olga Theisselmann

Abstract:
As part of the Science Year 2023, this project creates a collaboration between education and astronomy/astrophysics. It also aims for the creation of innovative formats for science communication for the interested public, children (from kindergarten age), young people, adults, students and multipliers in this field on the topic of "Life in Space" at the HELLEUM Children's Research Center. The formats are:
1. HELLEUM workshop "Life in space" (Lernwerkstattprinzip, based on the principle of a study workshop) for children (from kindergarten age) and young people
2. Tüfteltheater (interactive theater aproach) "Life everywhere" for the interested public (from kindergarten)
3. "Philosophical discussions on the topic of life in space" for children, young people and adults
4. Accompanying training for teachers and other educational staff.
In addition to providing general information about the topic and the state of research and science, the aim is to involve children, young people and adults from the Berlin-Hellersdorf district in the social discourse in a participatory manner, especially those who have not yet been reached much. Thanks to HELLEUM's very good networking, the primary and secondary target groups are (as in the past) very well reached via various distribution systems and direct contact. Further target groups are to be acquired via social media channels. In order to ensure this, the communication goals are measured and checked by evaluating the indicators (e.g. by "Impact Unit - Effect and Evaluation in Science Communication"). All developed offers will subsequently continue to be offered in the HELLEUM. The resulting materials will be made available as OER material and should thus enable the transfer of the basic concept to other educational institutions. In addition, a follow-up research project is planned to empirically investigate the effectiveness of this form of science communication.

 

Funding: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF)

Keywords: Science communication, education, astronomy, astrophysics, research for children and young people, Helleum, life in space

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