Education

03-02-2010

Siemens Stiftung presents educational projects at didacta in Cologne

Siemens Stiftung at didacta 2010 in Cologne March 16 to 20 – presentation of multi-faceted commitment along the educational chain – schoolchildren experimenting live each day at Booth B 068 in Hall 6.1

The Siemens Stiftung will be unveiling its extensive educational program to a broad audience of education specialists at didacta, Europe’s  largest education trade fair, from March 16 to 20. At its booth in Cologne, the foundation will showcase its commitment to MINT education  (mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, technology) along the entire education chain – from preschool through secondary school. The  promotion of language in early childhood and cultural education will also be addressed. Teachers, educators at all class levels and those who simply want to learn more are all invited to visit Hall 6.1, Aisle B, Booth 068 for more information on the diverse portfolio. Every morning at 11  o’clock, there will also be an opportunity to look over kids’ shoulders as they experiment with the “How does it work” toolbox.

Siemens Stiftung’s numerous educational projects pursue a comprehensive approach in promoting MINT education: the aim is to nurture an understanding of technology in children and youth by providing early and ongoing encounters with the natural sciences and awakening in them a love of experimentation.

A diverse portfolio awaits visitors to the Siemens Stiftung booth at didacta:

Preschool program

It starts with the smallest ones: since language is the basic foundation for optimum educational opportunities and integration into society, the Siemens Stiftung  places a special emphasis on helping immigrant children learn German from the age of three. The foundation is partnering with the non-profit Center for  Multilingualism for Children in support of its language acquisition method KIKUS by conducting nationwide language instruction for children and continuing education  for teachers. Basic seminars on how to promote language in early childhood are scheduled in Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Nuremberg in April and May. Educators may  apply for free admission to one of the seminars by visiting the Siemens Stiftung website.

The “Forscherkiste”, developed by Science-Lab (NGO), emphasizes a playful approach to natural phenomena. Forty-five experiments exploring various aspects of water, air, colors, electricity and sound awaken the urge to discover in children as young as three to six. Another science project is the Siemens Stiftung’s partnership with “Tiny Tots Science Corner” in Germany. On the international stage, there is the Discovery Box: Kicking off just in time for didacta is the campaign to donate 100 Discovery Boxes each to various preschools and kindergartens in five Eastern European countries. Slovenia can look forward to receiving the first  experimentation kits in March, followed by preschools in Croatia, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania.

Primary school program

The Siemens Stiftung is promoting early childhood education in the MINT subjects in the primary school as well. The school project “KiTec – Children Discover Technology” teaches basic skills in working with tools and in the fields of structural, automotive and electrical engineering. The “How does it work” experiment  toolbox from project partner Wissensfabrik e.V. offers a total of 46 experiment setups involving air, water and food, introducing children to the scientific  underpinnings in the process. Stop by the trade fair booth to see for yourself as an instructor leads schoolchildren in demonstrating to didacta visitors how to get  on the track of scientific and technical processes. Each day from 11 a.m. to noon, the Siemens Stiftung booth will host different experiments, such as why a  candle needs air.

Program for educators and secondary schools

The program for secondary schools emphasizes an independent approach to science and technology. The Electro-Lab Kit, with extensive materials and instructional guides on the subjects of electronics and electrical engineering, illustrates physical phenomena and helps impart an understanding of scientific issues. It is intended to support physics classes from grade 10 through real-life experiments. The evaluation phase concludes during didacta. Beginning in April, teachers can apply for a kit on the Stiftung website.

Educators and instructors at didacta can see firsthand how varied and userfriendly the media portal is. The online platform currently includes more than 1,800  teaching materials in English and German covering scientific subjects such as energy, water, hearing and light. Tailored for the mandatory curriculum, the media address technical and social aspects and are suitable for interdisciplinary instruction. After completing a simple registration, teachers can perform highly targeted searches to find the material they need, then download it with just a few clicks. The rights to the media are licensed for free use in lessons. The media portal is  expanded and updated on a regular basis. One recent addition is instructional materials on social issues: the ready-to-use media package on “Humanitarian aid –  drinking water filters in use” is a thought-provoking look at the importance of a safe drinking water supply for the poorest countries of the world. Additional English materials and Spanish media are planned.

The project grant series “kiss – Culture in Schools and Universities” supports teachers and aspiring teachers by providing instructional materials for contemporary  art and culture and awarding stipends to students of art education. What’s special about the project is the involvement of prominent artists as mentors, offering  scholarship recipients the opportunity for a living encounter with their creative output.

The Siemens Stiftung’s student competition 2010 in math, science and technology, under its present motto “Energy Geniuses of the Future – Ideas for Improved  Efficiency” is poised for its national finale. Here, from among the regional contest winners, awards will be given to the top Energy Geniuses. At didacta, schools  can get a first look at the new 2011 contest. Registration begins in July 2010.

The Siemens Stiftung, located in Munich, was founded in September 2008 as a non-profit foundation and vested by Siemens with a capital of 390 million Euros.  The foundation was set up to enhance the sustainability and visibility of the activities of Siemens in the area of social responsibility, which has always been an  integral part of the corporate culture since the early founding days more than 160 years ago. The mission of the Siemens Stiftung is to develop answers to social  challenges worldwide, to identify opportunities and to provide long-term support in order to help people help themselves in emergency situations. The focus is on  charitable giving, education, research and innovation as well as technology, culture and the fine arts. The Siemens Stiftung primarily implements its own programs  and cooperates in nationwide and international projects.