Our Comenius Project
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Beech Hill College is involved in a Comenius Project entitled:
Space and Us – A Journey to the Planets.
There are schools from five countries involved in this project.
Belgium – Sint-Romboutscollege in Mechelen (the co-ordinating school)
Germany – Ev. Gymnasium in Werther
Poland – Zespół Szkół Zawodowych im Stanisława Staszica w Opolu in Ostróda
Slovenia – Osnovna šola Bojana Ilicha in Maribor
Ireland – Beech Hill College in Monaghan (That’s us!)
This Project is funded by the EU
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Aspects of the Project
Rocket Physics
The students will learn how a rocket works. By building and launching their own model rockets they will increase their understanding of physics through the practical application of what they learn.
There is nothing like hands-on application to increase understanding and to increase the desire to learn more.
The Planetary System
We are also studying the solar system and learning about the destinations of space expeditions.
The History of Space Travel
The history of space involves both the opening up of the grand new scientific possibilities of planetary travel, but unfortunately also the race for weapons’ superiority.
The project will look at both aspects, but will concentrate more on the positive aspect – the many advantages/scientific developments that came about as the result of space voyages.
The ESA
The students will also take a look at the ESA. They will discuss what it does, how it is financed and how it plans its programmes.
Art & Literature
To involve the maximum number of students in the project there will be art/poster competitions around the themes of the galaxy and space travel. Another aspect will be presentations on Myths & Legends surrounding the planets.
Cultural Aspects
Through collaborative work and the two student meetings (in Maribor, Slovenia & Monaghan, Ireland) students will get to know others from other countries and cultures. This aspect of the project will be ongoing and an invaluable learning experience.
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Stages of the Project
The Preliminary Meeting was held in Ostróda in Poland in the Autumn of 2009 (26th – 29th November). It was here that the broad outline of the project was determined and each country made application to the relevant National Agency. In our case it was Léargas.
The Project itself involves four Project Meetings, two in each of the Project Years
2010/11
Meeting 1. Ostróda, Poland (30.09.-03.10.2010). Teachers only. Planning meeting.
Meeting 2. Maribor, Slovenia (14.-18.03.2011). Teachers and students.
2011/12
Meeting 3. Werther, Germany (Dates to be decided). Teachers only. Review and planning meeting.
Meeting 4. Monaghan, Ireland (Dates to be decided). Grand Finale. Teachers and students.
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Meeting 1. Ostróda, Poland (30.09.-03.10.2010)
The first of these meetings, in Ostróda, was for teachers only. Its purpose was to plan the schedule for the two years and to decide who would do what, and where.
It included visits to the Planetarium in Toruń and to the Institute of Astronomy of the Nicolaus Copernicus University outside Toruń.
Another highlight of the trip was the launching of some prototype rockets in a safe place outside of Ostróda.
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Photos from 1st Meeting in Ostróda below - best view by clicking on first picture and scrolling.
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The Project has a Facebook Page organised and developed by our colleagues in Werther
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