Final Report Summary - XJENZA-TV (Science popularisation TV bringing those the knoweldge society to those not yet participating)
Malta and Cyprus have amongst the highest interest in innovation and yet amongst the lowest uptake of science from the EU-25 nations according to recent European Inno-barometer and Innovation scoreboard studies. In other words, Maltese and Cypriot people like the benefits of innovation but do not participate strongly in producing innovation. However, scientists from these two nations are playing a key role in many of Europe and the world's finest scientific institutions, thus contributing strongly to innovation. These islands' schoolchildren do not know their local heroes at all, nor do they know much of the ongoing science even within Malta and Cyprus' shores. Professional jobs continue to attract the brightest kids in Malta, for example, whilst science careers are not usually contemplated.
The primary aim of this science-TV series was to introduce Maltese and Cypriot school children to science, show them that it is fun and not so very difficult, by allowing them to perform science themselves, thus introducing it to their peers, to other children. The series also introduced them to local scientists as well as to Maltese and Cypriot scientists abroad and to European science and innovation in general. It aimed to show the possibilities of a career in science and to give science a much-needed makeover in their eyes.
Disabled children and adults also contributed to the knowledge society, despite possibly not being able to perform other kinds of jobs (particularly the physically disabled). Translation of this series into English languages and e-broadcasting to a Europe-wide list of disabled people's organisations should help make them aware of such options.
The four partners carried out a programme of activities that culminated in the development of a 26 episode series of science popularisation and education which is being broadcast across Europe and over the Web. It is also available to schools in Malta and Cyprus in the form of a DVD series. The series was filmed in Malta and Greece and was produced in English, Greek and Maltese. The episodes posted on the website were subtitled in English for the benefit of the visually impaired.
The series was tailed to provide a novel framework where cutting edge science was made available to children through simple explanation and where the children themselves were able to do experiments and understand the use, benefits and enjoyment of science. Each episode focussed on a particular scientific principle and includes interviews with people in industries which are using the scientific principles explained in their production process. Each episode also profiles a Maltese or Cypriot scientist who has made a career in science.
The primary aim of this science-TV series was to introduce Maltese and Cypriot school children to science, show them that it is fun and not so very difficult, by allowing them to perform science themselves, thus introducing it to their peers, to other children. The series also introduced them to local scientists as well as to Maltese and Cypriot scientists abroad and to European science and innovation in general. It aimed to show the possibilities of a career in science and to give science a much-needed makeover in their eyes.
Disabled children and adults also contributed to the knowledge society, despite possibly not being able to perform other kinds of jobs (particularly the physically disabled). Translation of this series into English languages and e-broadcasting to a Europe-wide list of disabled people's organisations should help make them aware of such options.
The four partners carried out a programme of activities that culminated in the development of a 26 episode series of science popularisation and education which is being broadcast across Europe and over the Web. It is also available to schools in Malta and Cyprus in the form of a DVD series. The series was filmed in Malta and Greece and was produced in English, Greek and Maltese. The episodes posted on the website were subtitled in English for the benefit of the visually impaired.
The series was tailed to provide a novel framework where cutting edge science was made available to children through simple explanation and where the children themselves were able to do experiments and understand the use, benefits and enjoyment of science. Each episode focussed on a particular scientific principle and includes interviews with people in industries which are using the scientific principles explained in their production process. Each episode also profiles a Maltese or Cypriot scientist who has made a career in science.
