Second International School On Mind, Brain And Education
2008, May 22-26
Basic and applied topics
in biological rhythms and learning
Directors: Antonio M. Battro and Kurt W. Fischer
Program officer: María Lourdes Majdalani
LAMAP, Paris. FRANCE
Extending La main à la pâte to middle school
The complementarity of science education and technological education in early years of junior high schools has been highlighted in an experimentation conducted over the past two years within thirty French schools, converging with several European orientations. This original action is extending the French program La main à la pâte to middle schools. It shares most objectives such as giving a rewarding image of techniques and scientific approaches, and promoting enquiry-based learning. The experimentation encourages teachers from three scientific subjects normally taught independently in France to team up and provides means to carry out complex projects in classrooms. After a brief presentation of the context and the organization of the program, the main issues and the possibilities that arise for teachers will be discussed.