Teaching real-life science in the Lab of Tomorrow

Gialouri, E; Uzunoglou, N; Gargalakos, M; Sotiriou, S; Bogner, FX

dc.contributor.author	Gialouri, E	en
dc.contributor.author	Uzunoglou, N	en
dc.contributor.author	Gargalakos, M	en
dc.contributor.author	Sotiriou, S	en
dc.contributor.author	Bogner, FX	en
dc.date.accessioned	2014-03-01T02:04:11Z
dc.date.available	2014-03-01T02:04:11Z
dc.date.issued	2011	en
dc.identifier.issn	19366612	en
dc.identifier.uri	https://dspace.lib.ntua.gr/xmlui/handle/123456789/29400
dc.subject	ICT	en
dc.subject	Inquiry	en
dc.subject	Science Education	en
dc.subject	Video Analysis	en
dc.subject	Wearable Computer	en
dc.title	Teaching real-life science in the Lab of Tomorrow	en
heal.type	journalArticle	en
heal.identifier.primary	10.1166/asl.2011.2041	en
heal.identifier.secondary	http://dx.doi.org/10.1166/asl.2011.2041	en
heal.publicationDate	2011	en
heal.abstract	Numerous studies on science teaching have shown that we should revise the way that science is taught in our schools, and promote pedagogical practices based on inquiry-based methods. Inquiry-based science education has proved its efficiency at both primary and secondary levels in increasing students' interest and attainments while at the same time stimulating teacher motivation. This paper presents an innovative way to introduce inquiry based methods in the science classroom using advanced technological applications. The Lab of Tomorrow system consists of a series of tiny, programmable devices that are embedded in clothing, footballs and other items. The system monitors the wearer's running pace, body temperature, heartbeat rate or the acceleration of a ball. This practical information can be translated into examples of science theory, raising interest and motivation among students, and improving the learning process. In this way student everyday activities are becoming a subject of experimentation. They personally experience the procedures involved in an authentic research project and thereby gain a far better understanding of science. This paper describes the systematic procedure that was adapted to monitor students' and teachers' activities while using the Lab of Tomorrow system. Four hundred students from 18 schools in Greece, Germany, Austria and Italy were involved in the study for a period of 8 months (one school year) during their science lessons. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed in detail. The analysis of the findings demonstrates that there is significant improvement of the learning outcomes for the students in all cases in both physics and mathematics. Additionally, the outcomes of the extended lesson video study demonstrate that the Lab of Tomorrow system offers a great opportunity for teachers to adopt inquiry based methods in their lessons, and to implement teaching strategies for facilitating learning about scientific inquiry, developing the abilities of inquiry, and understanding scientific concepts and principles. © 2011 American Scientific Publishers.	en
heal.journalName	Advanced Science Letters	en
dc.identifier.doi	10.1166/asl.2011.2041	en
dc.identifier.volume	4	en
dc.identifier.issue	11-12	en
dc.identifier.spage	3317	en
dc.identifier.epage	3323	en