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THE SONS OF THE SUN
Start date: Sep 1, 2015, End date: Aug 31, 2017 PROJECT  FINISHED 

Astronomy is one of the few scientific fields that interacts directly with society. Not only transcending borders, but actively promoting collaborations around the World. Although we live in a world faced with the many immediate problems of hunger, poverty, energy and global warming, we argue that astronomy has long term benefits that are equally as important to a civilized society. Several studies have told us that investing in science education, research and technology provides a great return — not only economically, but culturally and indirectly for the population in general — and has helped countries to face and overcome crises. Our society needs more and more scientists and more and more technology must be used, but it looks as though we are turning our backs on science. How can this situation be changed? Astronomy can help to solve this problem partially if the sky is preserved and rediscovered by our society. A better education in science for your child can also mean better things for society by helping students develop into more responsible citizens who help to build a strong economy, contribute to a healthier environment, and bring about a brighter future for everyone. As Science for All Americans points out, a good science education help students "to develop the understandings and habits of mind they need to become compassionate human beings able to think for themselves and to face life head on. It should equip them also to participate thoughtfully with fellow citizens in building and protecting a society that is open, decent, and vital". At the moment in developed countries there is a decrease in the number of students interested in science. Astronomy is probably the most attractive and suggestive branch of science, but the most obvious element which could put people in contact with astron¬omy is the sky. But unfortunately the sky in developed countries is covered by a haze of pollution. Five schools from Five different countries aim to work together beyond borders, languages, religions for a ommon prupose. The aim of the Project is that the students develop individually strategies and that they aquire knowledge about the history of astronomy by investigating answers to questions like; • What necessary changes were made to observing thoughout astronomy • What factors influence the astronomy • How was long-distance stars were observed • What our solar system looks like • The influence of discoviries on our everyday life • Todraw attention to light pollution • To develop mathematical and basic competences in science and tecnology • To improve digital competence by exchanging e mails and using internet as a main source of information • To improve knowledge of the Earth and the planets around us by modeling the solar system Each group of pupils informs the pupis in the other countries about the Project about the resuls of their own investigations. In their classroom circumstances our European discovey teams will also face problems of identifying the content of atmosphere,characteristics of gases. They will design sundial models and pinhole cameras. The problem of long distance communication will be explained by variety of instruments. By designing their own cameras we want our student to understand the logic of making models and by their handmade cameras to observe the sky. How big is BIG and How small is SMALL? It is important to let them to find out their answers by their own. So they will read and write their own stories on sky by using their fantasy.Pupils observe the sky by night and day. Sharing this knowledge motivates to investigate well and at the same time they will learn about the stars, the Sun and the Moon, in summary they will learn about the Sky. There will be international Project meetings. In these meetings students will have the chace to develop their English knowledge and they will have a chance to hear different languages. It may draw their attenttion on different languages. Another important aspect of the Project is the intercultural learning. To foster the understanding for other customs and behaviour is very important in a globalizing society. The mobilities within this Project will contribute to more tolerance on the personal and professional level. We believe that the activities will provide opportunities for increasing students’ basic skills and transversal key competences e.g. developing their sense of initiative, the ability to turn ideas into action, building networks and establishing partnerships in Europe.Students’ awareness of a common European culture will be developed. For teachers the chance to work with colleagues across Europe is inspirational for both new and established members of staff: sharing methods and knowledge will increase their professionalism, improve their pedagogical methods and encourage initiative, creativity and innovation.
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