Dr. Suzanne GattUniversity of Malta

Hands on ScienceA comenius 3 Network: October 2003 – October 2006

28 institutions from 10 European countries (BE, CY, DE, ES, GR, MT, PT, RO, SL, UK);

Hands-on Science (H-Sci) network promotesexperimental teaching of Science as a way of improving in-school scientific education and Science literacy.

One initiative: Using the Performing Arts

Aims of MusicalTo tackle the stereotypical image of science for boys –thus main character was a girl;

To change belief that science is just content but also a process of asking questions, hypothesising and investigating – FJONA loved to try things out.

The theatre allowed children to participate in the experiments on stage

Example: children were asked to blow bubbles from frames of different shapes;They were asked to produce white light from the colours of the rainbow;They helped in using magnets to pick up fish of different metals;The helped in sorting objects of different sizes and shapes.

Impact :Therea significant impact on children; They wanted to ask questions and try things out like Fiona.Participating in simple science experiments on stage started off a spark;Promoted interest in science and hopefully in

futue they will opt for science as a career.

Interest and enthusiasm has to start from young