Parallel sessions I

Workshops A

A.I Use of Augmented Reality (AR) in education (WS01), Daniel Aguirre Molina and Ascensión Robles Melgarejo

Abstract: Augmented Reality is a technology that allows new and innovative ways to represent information. It gives us the possibility not only of transforming a 2D world into a 3D representation, but also enriching plain pictures with more information like videos, 3D models or another picture. Some time ago, this technology may have seemed to be too remote or beyond the knowledge of most teachers, but now Augmented Reality has become easier and it's possible to create some applications in only a few minutes. And also, and more interestingly, these applications can be created by our students, giving them the central role in their learning process.

In this workshop we propose an introduction to AR, starting by talking a little about the state of the art, showing some of the educational experiences we can find in some schools. But the most important part will be a hands-on workshop: There are three dishes in our menu. The starter will be the creation of a campaign with LAYAR, where, in a few minutes, we will have our first development with AR. The main dish will have more content, but easily digestible, working with AURASMA to create some useful applications to enrich our lessons and give us the possibility of using it with our students. And for dessert, the sweetest part, the use of 3D models. This part will require some SketchUp mixed with AR-Media, with a topping of the software "Avogadro" to make a model of some molecules in 3D, as a useful example to learn sciences. With the coffee, if you wish and time allows, more examples of good practices will be discussed.

After the workshop teachers will be ready to use this technology with their students and "augment" their classes, using ICT in an innovative and creative approach.

A.II Promoting language skills in primary school (WS02), Petra Breuer-Kuppers and Mario Spies

Abstract: Inquiry-based learning with biographies makes promotion of language skills in primary school possible in a special way: Students experience the connection of science and language. Reading, understanding and exchange of what they have learned are the main elements to promote language skills. Especially natural sciences give children reasons to talk about the things they did or have found out.

This hands-on workshop is based on the publication "Laternenmond und heiße Ohren" (Lantern Moon and Hot Ears) by Science on Stage Deutschland. Science teachers from Austria, Germany and Italy worked out nine biographical texts for primary-school students about contemporary scientists and engineers. They tell how they came to their profession, sometimes connected with funny moments in their life, e.g. a scientist studying ants or a chemical engineer. Each chapter is connected with experiments and working proposals, such as a rotating LED-disc or a walnut candle. Primary school teachers who work with it do not require any specific scientific expertise.

In this workshop, after a theoretical introduction, we will conduct a practical session for teachers with one example taken from the publication. The publication is available for free at Science on Stage Deutschland (print and PDF, in German): www.science-on-stage.de/laternenmond.