Science Centers for Latvian Research Outreach

1. Seminar Riga, Latvia, 5 February 2014 Science Centers for Latvian Research Outreach Amara L. Graps Research Scientist Institute of Astronomy / Fotonika Project University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

2. The Situation. “Latvian science is in a deplorable state […] In real terms, Latvian science funding in 2013 is less than half of what it was in 2008. It is now only 0.65% of GDP, a number that should be compared with 3.3% for Sweden and 3.1% for Finland in 2011. “ Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

3. Introducing Pauls Irbens and his Science Centers CoPartner of UL and various physical science departments? Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

4. Pauls Irbens’ Science Centers There have been 20,000 visitors to his science centers since they opened (over the last few years). * Zinoo, Cesis. http://www.zinoo.lv/ * Zili Brinumi (the Curiosity Museum) http://www.zilibrinumi.lv/ in Riga. It is located in a significant space on the 5th floor of the Gallerija Riga shopping Mall. This is their new location, moved from a floor above with newly added space, which can accommodate teacher's workshops, special events and birthday parties. Their financial support and construction is solely from ticket prices. Another Riga science center is in the process of planning. * Lielvārde (southeast of Riga), built in total by the donations of one sponsor. http://www.lielvardi.lv/lv/centrs/Par-Centru/ • Zinoo's largest promotional event: "The Space Festival" (www.spacefestival.eu), last September 21 in Cesis. 600 Attendees for their first time. Not bad for a small town in a small country. Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

5. I would like to suggest Pauls Irbens’ Science Centers for -- ANY Other Science Outreach for your proposals. He has the ‘vehicle’ and the enthusiasm. Why re-invent the wheel? Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

6. The Value of Science Centers Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

7. ‘Hands-on’ aspect of Science Centers Most younger children are, by nature, extremely physical. They delight in exploring the world with their bodies. Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

8. Current research has also indicated that a positive Science-Technology-Education-Mathematics (STEM) experience prior to high school (age 13-14) correlates strongly with a student’s choice of career in STEM (*). (*) George, P., Stevenson, C., Thomason, J., & Beane, J. (1992). The middleschool and beyond. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Alexandria, VA. Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

9. Children love to ask questions, probe their surroundings, and experiment. Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

10. As parents and teachers, we must support that curiosity before the rest of their environment stamps it out. Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

11. A young person’s interest in STEM after age 13-14 is usually supported by *external* STEM activities. Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

12. Studies have shown that young people don't understand science until they can experience how it relates to their own lives (*); the student learns (integrates) what he/she already knows (preconceptions). (*) Peter Labudde (University of Applied Sciences Northwest Switzerland) invited speaker: ‘The Challenge of Teaching Physics’, May 30, 2013, University of Latvia. Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

13. Tuning the Kalimba is made by lengthening or shortening the tines. Shorter tines = higher frequency The physics is the ‘natural frequency of a uniform cantilever beam with an end load’ but 8 year olds don’t need to know that. Kalimba Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

14. Scientific literacy increases when the student co-constructs knowledge through a vigorous exchange of questions and ideas with other students. (*) (*) Peter Labudde (University of Applied Sciences Northwest Switzerland) invited speaker: ‘The Challenge of Teaching Physics’, May 30, 2013, University of Latvia. Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

15. Dissemination Informal science events and science museums are efficient multipliers. Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

16. The concepts presented in Science Centers are those that drive human progress. Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

17. Children are our Future. Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

18. One Path to include Irbens’ Science Centers European Commission Horizon 2020 Calls (example) The UL Institute of Astronomy is submitting • proposals for the Space calls and is 2) included in the EUROPLANET RI consortium. Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

19. Horizon 2020 opportunities 1) The University of Latvia and the Institute of Astronomy is in a very good position because the European Commission will view any proposal that includes its eastern members in a more positive way. In other words, the other parties need Latvia, FOR A SHORT TIME. (i.e. we must not lose this window of opportunity). 2) The Institute of Astronomy can be doubly helpful by adding Latvian 'Small Medium Enterprises' to the projects too, because there is an emphasis in Horizon 2020 to be engaged with Industry. A component of Latvian industry would be super. FOR A SHORT TIME. (i.e. Latvian SMEs must not lose this window of opportunity) Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

20. Pauls Irbens’ Science Centers for COMPET-10-2014: (Space) Outreach through education * Promotional Space Events / Space Career Days * Distributing Space Material * Age 6-18 say Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

21. The Institute of Astronomy at the University of Latvia is now part of the EUROPLANET version Horizon 2020 in its (proposal) preparation phase. Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

22. The infrastructure calls • (1) 'Starting Communities' whose research infrastructures show a limited degree of coordination and networking at present. The strongest impact for these communities will be expected typically to arise from a focus on networking, standardisation and establishing a common access procedure, which lay the foundation for well-used trans-national access and service provision. • (2) 'Advanced Communities' whose research infrastructures show an advanced degree of coordination and networking at present, in particular, through Integrating Activities awarded under previous Framework Programmes. The strongest impact for these communities will be expected typically to arise from focusing on innovation aspects and on widening trans-national access and service provision. Proposals from Communities that have benefitted from EU funding for Integrating Activities before will have to clearly demonstrate the added value and the progress beyond current achievements of a continuation project. Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

23. Steering committee • Best practice @EPSC • Outreach expert workshops • Communicating with: • Media • Policy makers • Schools • Public audiences Seed funding (5-10K) for public engagement projects • Annual prize for public engagement • Special schools prize Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

24. Outreach JRA - Development of outreach products (50-100K Euros per project) • Comparative planetology weather stations (Arduino/balloon based) • Mars mission game (Virtual Mars Rover) • Engagement through analogue sites • Tactile planetary resources for the blind • Educational kits • Films 1 ? ? Outreach Joint-Research Activity ? Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

25. Horizon 2020 Proposal Thoughts 1) The University of Latvia and the Institutes will probably need to be embedded in Consortiums for the Horizon 2020 calls. A 50K or 100K euro project is too small. From the European Commission (EC) point-of-view, managing a 100K euros project is the same amount of work as managing a 1 million euros project. 2) You will probably need to 'read between the lines' to understand what the EC wants. And ask a lot of questions of others involved. The EC email help address is not very quick to answer. Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)

26. Paldies! Amara Graps (amara@konteur.com)