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Europe is moving closer together, and education is no exception. It is the inventiveness of
young Europeans that is the potential not only for shaping our increasingly complex environment in
ways that will benefit all of humanity, but also for the sustainable use of its resources. That is
good and sufficient reason for teachers to make sure the lessons they give are innovative,
fascinating and practical, and also motivates us to announce the fourth in our successful series of
interdisciplinary scientific projects for European students and teachers.
1. Participants and target group:
Ten teams from Europe. If more than ten applications are received then the participants will be
decided by lot.
Potential candidates are intermediate and upper-school students and teachers from scientific and
other disciplines (English, Sport, Art, etc.). Mixed age-groups and interdisciplinary groups are
expressly desired.
2. Tasks and criteria:
Each team of teachers and students is to construct a model and thereby creatively solve
scientific problems. Their task is to build something innovative, artistic or surprising.
Interdisciplinary cooperation offers the greatest potential for obtaining – in every sense –
winning results for the following tasks.
Under the general theme “Potentiometer – exploiting potential” the task is to use potentiometers
to change electrical potentials, to build models that have some practical benefit and fulfil one of
the following tasks.
Task I: Light
To create a model that modulates light frequencies.
- or -
Task II: Sound
To create a model that modulates audio frequencies.
The objective is to construct a model that is as small as possible and has some practical use,
mirroring some existing technical solution (e.g. hi-fi system, synthesiser, dimmer, modem,
instrument, or the like).
For Task I the change in the light must be detectable with the naked eye, for Task II
the change in the sound should be audible.
Entries will be evaluated according to the criteria listed on the enclosed evaluation sheet.
These include creativity, usefulness, presentation and applicability to classroom teaching.
Each registration is of a team consisting of two teachers and at most four students. For the
purposes of the competition, the teachers should develop an interdisciplinary or
interdisciplinarily-useable lesson concept and should then realise this with their students in the
classroom.
The groups will present their project plans, and their achieved results, in the form of models,
calculations, experiments, talks, etc., in English, at the opening and closing events respectively.
A jury, possibly assisted by the participants, will select the best projects, and the students will
receive a token of recognition for their participation.
Lenord + Bauer offers to provide specialist advice and technical support during the project
phase (e.g. by supplying small-scale modules or sensor elements up to a value of 400 euros). To
simplify communications, participants from our European neighbours will receive technical
assistance from Lenord + Bauer’s sales partners. Overall coordination is the responsibility of
Science on Stage Deutschland e.V. (see below).
3. Schedule of events:
Phase 1 - Preparation: August - December 2008
August 2008: We will write to schools in NRW and other federal states and the schools in
neighbouring European countries.
The closing date for registrations is 31.10.2008, and applicants will be informed by
03.11.2008 whether they will be able to participate.
On Friday 12.12.2008 at 3pm there will be an initial meeting at the premises of Lenord + Bauer.
At this launch event, each team will introduce its plans for the project, in English, initial
results will be presented, and there will also be an opportunity to tour Lenord + Bauer’s
factory.
Phase 2 - Implementation: January - May 2009
The school teams will realise their projects in the classroom. During this phase, Lenord + Bauer
will provide any cooperative support that may be required. Intermediate results will be documented.
The exchange of information between the schools and the organisers should where possible be carried
out by e‑mail. The schools’ contacts for this purpose are Ms Schlunk and Ms Hurrelbrink
(SonSD).
Phase 3 - Presentation: May 2009
On Friday 15.05.2009 at 12 noon (date changed!) the results will be presented in public, in
English, at the closing event at the University of Duisburg (Note the new venue !!). A jury
will award prizes to the best projects.
Phase 4 - Follow-up: 2009
The cooperation between the schools, Lenord + Bauer and its sales partners and Science on Stage
Deutschland e.V. can be continued. The results will be published so that other teachers can take up
the projects.
4. Motivation for schools to participate:
- Exchange of ideas with schools in other countries,
- Contact to Lenord + Bauer (career guidance, internships, expert ideas for lesson material,
etc.),
- A fascinating, unusual and practical lesson concept,
- Specialist advice and technical assistance provided by Lenord + Bauer (e.g. supplying
small-scale modules or sensor elements up to a value of 400 euros).
5. Contacts
Coordination with Lenord + Bauer and technical questions:
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