New study materials reach all schools in Latvia!

New study materials reach all schools in Latvia!
Starting with 1 September the new electronic and printed study materials in biology, physics, chemistry and mathematics for grades 7 – 9, produced in the project “Science and Mathematics”, become available at 750 institutions of education. The new set of materials was created in 3 years, through collaboration among the project team, local governments, entrepreneurs, schools and higher educational institutions. It contains 66 various innovative products to support teachers in their teaching and students in their learning: subject programs, study games, brochures and handbooks for teachers, study films, electronic and printed materials, comprising presentations, animations, video clips, materials for interactive whiteboard, samples of laboratory work, samples of contemporary lessons, etc. The opportunity to use the electronic set of support materials for teachers on website www.dzm.lv is an unprecedented offer. It provides access to a uniform system of all developed support materials for teachers.

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A unique and ambitious exhibition “The Sciences and Mathematics at School – Exciting!”

A unique and ambitious exhibition “The Sciences and Mathematics at School – Exciting!”
From 25 to 27 August educational exhibition “The Sciences and Mathematics at School – Exciting’!” was held at Daile Theatre, setting the mood for the new school year. The exhibition stands and interactive workshops offered printed and electronic study materials, study films and games for grades 7 – 12 to see and to try out. The exhibition revealed the significant impact of information technologies and new approaches to learning science subjects and mathematics upon teachers’ work and students’ motivation to learn with understanding, joy and enthusiasm.

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Experts from 13 countries discuss reforms in science and technology education

Experts from 13 countries discuss reforms in science and technology education
On August 24 international Science and Technology Summit 2011 was held in Riga. Education experts, representatives of higher educational institutions and Ministries of Education from Latvia, Finland, Estonia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Israel, Russia, Georgia and other countries discussed the experience of their countries in implementing reforms in science and technology education.

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Education show „Science and Mathematics in School – Exciting!”

Education show „Science and Mathematics in School – Exciting!”
Welcome to participate in the Education show „Science and Mathematics in School – Exciting!” in Riga, Latvia! The show is the event of the year in science and maths in Latvia for all who is learning and teaching. Education show and workshops during the show are packed full of tips, ideas, teaching and learning solutions to take back and implement in the classroom. It takes place on 25 of August 2011, from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. Venue - theatre „Daile”, street Brivibas 75, Riga, Latvia.

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The project experts continue to acquire foreign experience

The project experts continue to acquire foreign experience
In May, the project "Science and Mathematics" was visited by the professor of the Department of Science Teaching, Weizmann Institute of Science, the head of the Chemistry Teachers National Center Avi Hofstein from Israel and the professor of the Chemistry Department of the University of Bremen (Universität Bremen), Institute of the Didactic of the Sciences (Institut für Didactics der Naturwissenschaften) Ingo Eilks from Germany.

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The business simulation game „Factory Owner” – one day for putting yourself in the shoes of an entrepreneur

The business simulation game „Factory Owner” – one day for putting yourself in the shoes of an entrepreneur
Since February this year, pupils are offered a very new, unconventional and attractive way to learn science and maths! The project in collaboration with the company “Nordic Training International” has created a production - scientific - business simulation game “Factory Owner” . The game has taken place in 11 project supporting schools, but from academic year 2011/2012 each school of Latvia will have an opportunity to apply for participation in the game.

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The students are making sure - science is exciting and prospective

The students are making sure - science is exciting and prospective
On 12 and 13 May a considerable event for students and teachers “Think Differently – be More in Science and Mathematics!” took place in Daugavpils." 96 students of a secondary school from 32 schools of Latvia put themselves in the shoes of researchers and scientists, practically operated in the laboratories, institutes and urban areas of Daugavpils University, met with scientists, visited companies in Daugavpils, competed in the tournament of school plays, analyzed, evaluated and discussed the achievements, formed advertisements, in order to return home inspired and convinced that science is exciting and prospective.

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The public lecture conducted by the Canadian guest lecturer brings together more than 200 teachers and school headmasters

The public lecture conducted by the Canadian guest lecturer brings together more than 200 teachers and school headmasters
On 4 April 2011, the public lecture “The role of administration staff and teachers during the process of implementation of changes at school”, lectured by the Canadian guest lecturers Faye Brownlie and Maureen Dockendorf, took place in Latvia. 218 school headmasters, assistant headmasters, teachers and education experts from all around Latvia met in the public lecture at Riga Technical University. The guest lecturers Faye Brownlie and Maureen Dockendorf updated the importance of cooperation between school administration staff and teachers when implementing changes at school. “Teachers work is too hard to be done all alone. We need colleagues who mutually trust each other. If we work together we are stronger than if we work separately", by these words Maureen Dockendorf inspired the teachers to collaborate with each other. The guest lecturers stressed that the cooperation between students, teachers and administration is the key to successful change in school.

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Students Develop Their Intellect and Erudition in Science and Mathematics Competition

Students Develop Their Intellect and Erudition in Science and Mathematics Competition
On 25 March 2011, the final round of chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics competition for students of grades 7 through 9 will take place. During a half year the online competition, on a weekly basis, brought together more than 1100 students on website www.dzm.lv, of whom 37 students from various Latvian regions will participate in the final round in person.

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The Public Lecture of Canadian Guests in Latvia

The Public Lecture of Canadian Guests in Latvia
We invite teachers and school administrators to the public lecture "The role of administration staff and teachers during the process of implementation of changes at school”, which will be lectured by the Canadian guests Faye Brownlie and Maureen Dockendorf! The lecture will take place this year 4 April at 15:00 at Riga Technical University, Assembly Hall, Kalku iela 1. The public lecture is organized by the State Education Centre ESF project "Science and Mathematics" in collaboration with the Education Development Center, Embassy of Canada in Latvia and Riga Technical University. The lecture will be opened by the Ambassador of Canada in Latvia H.E. Scott Heatherington.

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A Novelty at Schools - Business Simulation Game Factory Owner

A Novelty at Schools - Business Simulation Game Factory Owner
Since February this year, pupils are offered a very new, unconventional and attractive way to learn science and maths! The project in collaboration with the company “Nordic Training International” has created a production - scientific - business simulation game “Factory Owner”, during which the students run manufacturing companies by using the knowledge acquired at school and at the same time competing for the highest profits. During the game the students model manufacturing processes, apply in real-life the knowledge acquired in chemistry, physics and mathematics, get an understanding of the relationship between the knowledge in chemistry and physics with economics, and build hands-on experience in running the company.

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Entrepreneurs Emphasize the Role of Cooperation for Implementing Changes in Education

Entrepreneurs Emphasize the Role of Cooperation for Implementing Changes in Education
On 16 February in Agenskalna State Gymnasium within the framework of the project "Science and Mathematics," a discussion on the possibilities of entrepreneurs to get involved in improving the study process in science and mathematics and on the development of entrepreneurial skills on the basis of science subjects.

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With a Call `Inspire to Learn` the Week of Mission Possible Concluded

With a Call `Inspire to Learn` the Week of Mission Possible Concluded
On 15 February The week of Mission Possible, 2011 concluded. Within its framework, 55 professionals from various fields and the supporters of The Mission Possible went to a Latvian school to become a teacher just for one class. All in all, 1400 students in 51 schools in Latvia attended theses classes. The goal of this year's campaign was to inspire students to study science, mathematics and information technology and, as to the professionals who conduct lessons already for the fourth year running, share their experiences with students.

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The Competition for the Best Idea for Stickers Has Been Completed!

The Competition for the Best Idea for Stickers Has Been Completed!
Between January 12 and 23, an idea contest for the best sticker took place with the aim to popularize the project “Science and mathematics.” 24 students participated in the contest and altogether 32 sketches of stickers have been received. The jury thoroughly examined each young person's performance and is pleased with the response from students and the creative output! Laura Reinholde`s (Jelgava Spīdola Gymnasium, grade 9) work was acknowledged to be the best idea for stickers. Thank you to everyone who contributed his or her ideas!

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32 Sketches Have Been Sent in to the Idea Contest for the Best Stickers!

32 Sketches Have Been Sent in to the Idea Contest for the Best Stickers!
Between January 12 and 23, an idea contest for the best sticker took place with the aim to popularize the project “Science and Mathematics.” All in all, 32 sketches of stickers have been received. The Project Team is pleased with the response from students and the creative output. Thanks to authors! Currently, the sticker designs are being carefully evaluated by the jury. Results will be announced already next week!

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Project Experts Meet with Latvian Universities

Project Experts Meet with Latvian Universities
The students who are physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics according to the new curriculum standards implemented since September 2008 will graduate from secondary school already this year. To inform representatives of Latvian higher educational establishments about what changes are under way in the educational process at school and what changes have taken place in the curricula, the Project will organize a meeting with the teaching staff of Latvian University of Agriculture, Riga Stradins University, University of Liepaja, Ventspils University College and Rezekne Higher Education Institution. During the meeting discussions are planned on the preparedness of the graduates of grade 12 to start university studies.

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Experts assess the monitoring system

Experts assess the monitoring system
On 19 and 20 January this year, an International Experience Exchange Workshop took place. It was attended by the Project experts and State Education Centre professionals in curriculum development and examination matters. The workshop aims to assess the progress in developing the monitoring system of standards for science and mathematics. The workshop was led by an education consultant George Bethell, Director of Anglia Assessment (UK). Anglia Assessment is an independent company offering consultancy and in-service training in the field of educational assessment around the world.

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