Applications open for new ESA robotics teacher training workshops

The workshop will take place at ESA’s ground station located in Redu, Belgium, on 28-29 April 2016 and will be repeated on 3-4 June 2016.

During the 2-day workshop, teachers will learn how to use space robotics to explain physics and technology curricular subjects, with the objective of discovering and mastering new tools and inquiry-based practices for STEM teaching and learning at school.

Do not miss this opportunity and hurry … the number of available seats is limited! The deadline to apply for the 28-29 April workshop is 24 March 2016; the deadline to apply for the 3-4 June workshop is 15 Apr 2016. 

What to expect
The workshop participants will be guided through activities that can be performed in the classroom: creating robots using LEGO Mindstorms tools and using them to perform a ‘mission to Mars’ with specific discovery objectives.  The states of matter, light, computer programming, data collection and analysis, as well as the technology behind telecommunications, are among the subjects that will be touched and investigated.

Inspired by real ESA space missions, participants will learn about the different kinds of expertise and skills necessary to make a space project successful, and will be given hints about possible science and technology careers. 

Who can apply?
The workshop is open to lower secondary school teachers of STEM-related subjects residing and working within any ESA Member State(*).

How and when to apply?
Teachers wishing to participate should send an e-mail to e-roboticslab @ esa.int indicating their first name, last name, nationality, phone number, school name and address, subject(s) taught, student level (age group) and the date of the workshop they wish to attend.

The deadlines to submit applications are:

- 24 March 2016 for the workshop taking place on 28-29 April 2016. Applicants will be notified by 1 April 2016 on whether their participation to the workshop is confirmed.

- 15 April 2016 for the workshop taking place on 3-4 June 2016. Applicants will be notified by 22 April 2016 on whether their participation to the workshop is confirmed.

Workshop details
The workshop will take place at ESA’s ground station located in Redu, Belgium. The programme also includes a visit of the ESA Redu Ground Station and the nearby Euro Space Centre (ESC). Further practical details will be communicated directly to the selected participants.   

The working language of the workshops will be English. 

Attendance to the entire workshop is mandatory.

Sponsorship and costs
There is no fee to participate in the workshop. ESA will arrange and sponsor the travel, accommodation, and participation costs for the selected participants.