Elementary School Children Become University Students for a Day at VUB

Elementary School Children Become University Students for a Day at VUB

Nearly 150 Brussels children participated in unique child-friendly workshops on the VUB campus on March 21

On Thursday, March 21, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) invited fifth- and sixth-grade students to spend a day as real university students on its Etterbeek campus. This was made possible by VUB Kinderuniversiteit (Children’s University). Dedicated researchers introduced the students to science and research through unique workshops tailored to children’s natural curiosity. The university deliberately chose to work with entire classes, with a special focus on schools in Brussels.

“A day to never forget!”, “A world of discovery!”, and “A fun and educational day where children learn that studying can be done in many different ways,” were just a few of the reactions from teachers and classes over the years about these creative workshops at VUB Kinderuniversiteit.

The “students” started their day on campus in a lecture hall, where they were prepared for a full day of workshops led by VUB researchers. The program offered a diverse range of topics from both natural and social sciences. Children learned about the wonders and dangers of volcanoes, built small robots, designed their ideal school, and much more! After an intensive day of engaging workshops, the students graduated from the Kinderuniversiteit, celebrated with a diploma ceremony led by Nadine Engels, Vice Rector for Education at VUB.

Science in primary education is not always a given, as most teachers are not specialized in specific scientific fields. VUB supports primary school teachers through Kinderuniversiteit, encouraging them to inspire their students with science. Motivating children at an early age to consider a career in science is essential, as study choices are often made early in their school trajectory.

In the spring, the workshops will resume, and classes can register for individual sessions. Researchers can visit schools in Brussels, or classes can choose to visit the VUB campuses in Jette or Etterbeek. VUB Kinderuniversiteit also provides child-friendly teaching materials, which are free to download from www.vubkinderuniversiteit.be. These ready-to-use resources allow teachers to independently incorporate science into their classrooms.

VUB Kinderuniversiteit is part of the broader Research – Outreach and Communication initiative at VUB. This initiative has previously launched projects such as the Brussels Science Box, Science Festival Brussels, and Kinderuniversiteit on Tour to engage children with science. Through these initiatives, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel has reached thousands of young people.

 

© Fran Geys
© Fran Geys

More info

Fran Geys 

Vrije Universiteit Brussel – dienst Research 

Gebouw M, 1.01 

Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Elsene 

  fran.geys@vub.be 

+32 491 07 10 14 

Sam Jaspers
Sam Jaspers Woordvoerder a.i.

 

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Vrije Universiteit Brussel is an internationally oriented university in Brussels, the heart of Europe. By providing excellent research and education on a human scale, VUB wants to make an active and committed contribution to a better society.

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The Vrije Universiteit Brussel assumes its scientific and social responsibility with love and decisiveness. That’s why VUB launched the platform De Wereld Heeft Je Nodig – The World Needs You, which brings together ideas, actions and projects based on six Ps. The first P stands for People, because that’s what it’s all about: giving people equal opportunities, prosperity, welfare, respect. Peace is about fighting injustice, big and small, in the world. Prosperity combats poverty and inequality. Planet stands for actions on biodiversity, climate, air quality, animal rights... With Partnership, VUB is looking for joint actions to make the world a better place. The sixth and last P is for Poincaré, the French philosopher Henri Poincaré, from whom VUB derives its motto that thinking should submit to nothing except the facts themselves. VUB is an ‘urban engaged university’, strongly anchored in Brussels and Europe and working according to the principles of free research.

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