Scientists’ involvement in primary education

The ASTEP program (Support for teachers through scientists’ involvement in primary education) originated in the La main à la pâte (Hands On) initiative. ASTEP is an original partnership between elementary schools, on the one hand, and people with a background in science—including students, scientists, engineers, and researchers, on the other. The aim is to help teachers with their science classes, and to give children an introduction to scientific investigation.

Using their respective skills, in science and in education, the scientific "helper" and the teacher spend a number of weeks preparing and teaching science lessons together. The TEACHER continues to be responsible for teaching in the classroom, while the "helper" acts as a guide to scientific method, and participates in discussions and interactions between the teacher and students.
Since January 2000, hundreds of ESPCI students and researchers have provided this kind of support for science lessons in Paris elementary schools. The "Science in the School" (Sciences à l’Ecole) team at the Espace Pierre-Gilles de Gennes is the ASTEP contact for the Paris Schools.

www.espgg.org Click on "Sciences à l’école"




ÉCOLE SUPÉRIEURE DE PHYSIQUE ET DE CHIMIE INDUSTRIELLES DE LA VILLE DE PARIS
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