As an ambassador of the Techniekpact (Technology Pact), André Kuipers leads university tours for primary school pupils (group 7) and teachers to stimulate their interest in his field, the world of space travel, science and technology. The Techniekpact hopes the tour will encourage sufficient numbers of young people to opt for a beta-technical educational programme. Technological innovations are necessary for many social challenges in the coming years. The youth of today will soon need to provide the solutions to these. This means more young people with beta-technical skills are needed. By exposing young people to science and technology at an early age, they are more likely to choose this field of study.
On Friday 19 February 2016, André Kuipers will lead a university tour in Enschede. In partnership with Twente Academy Young, the University of Twente’s Wetenschapsknooppunt (Science Nexus Point), over 250 primary school pupils from Enschede will have the opportunity to ask any questions they might have to André Kuipers at the University of Twente. After an inspiring morning, the pupils and teachers can experience science and technology first hand in the afternoon with exciting experiments at the University of Twente’s Designlab.
Programme
Venue: University of Twente, De Waaier building
9:45 Reception of pupils
10:05-11:30 Techniekpact university tour led by André Kuipers
11:30 Lunch
12:15 Start of afternoon programme at DesignLab
14:15 Conclusion and return journey
Twente Academy Young
Twente Academy Young, as the University of Twente’s Wetenschapsknooppunt (Nexus Point), bridges the world of children between the ages of 4 and 14 years and the world of science and technology. Science and technology are ideal media for stimulating children’s natural curiosity and creating research and design-oriented learning environments.
All our projects focus on stimulating the interest of children and their teachers in science and technology. On the one hand, activities such as demonstrations and school outings are organised with the aim of inspiring children and professionals. Other projects are specifically aimed at developing perceptions and awareness of science and technology, for children as well as their teachers and parents. Longer-term collaborative projects with the primary school education system form an important spearhead for the Twente Academy. This entails developing a collective vision, improving knowledge and content, and providing teachers with professional support in the science and technology education they provide.
2020 National Technology Pact
Technological innovations are necessary to take on future challenges. Today’s youth will soon need to provide the solutions to these challenges. That’s why it is important for them to possess the appropriate skills. Primary education provides the foundation to achieve this goal. The curious and inquisitive nature of children makes it possible to interest them in science and technology through play. In addition, research shows that if children are exposed to science and technology at a young age, they are more likely to opt for this field of study.
One of the agreements of the Techniekpact is that all primary schools offer science and technology to their pupils by 2020. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science commissioned the SLO, the national institute for curriculum development, to develop a curriculum that sets out specific objectives in terms of the skills and abilities needed by pupils in the field of science and technology. The 'Kiezen voor Technologie' action plan encourages primary schools to implement this new curriculum. As an ambassador of the Techniekpact, André Kuipers is in a position to deliver a valuable contribution to this strategy. By inspiring pupils and teachers with his enthusiasm, science and technology can become an established part of the curriculum.
Interested?
University of Twente (UT) students and staff are most welcome to attend. Staff may bring their children too. The minimum age for children is 7 years and colleagues may bring a maximum of 2 children. Please register in advance by sending an email to info@twenteacademyyoung.nl, a list of attendees will be compiled. Please notify us of how many people are in your party. Fully booked = fully booked.
