ISRAEL 2009 Intel ISEF Ed Academy Team Presentation

2Introductions Dr. Ana B. Heller PhD. Astrophysics Educational Officer, Herzliya Space Laboratory Space Science And Satellite Technology An innovative educational approach for young people Astronomy Amateur Radio Remote Sensing Orbital Dynamics Satellite Bus and Payload Design Spacecraft Anomalies Hagit Yaffe-Wiesel K-12 Education manager Corporate Affairs Group Intel Israel Dr. Eli Eisenberg Doctor in Sciences Director General for R&D and Training ORT Israel network of colleges & schools for advanced technologies and sciences Dr. Amnon Joseph PhD. Physics Physics and Philosophy teacher Lehman High School, Dimona

3 Educational Environment Israel school system The school system in Israel: –The school system in mainly a public one –It includes ~ 4000 institutes; from kinder gardens to high schools –It includes different sectors (Jewish, Arab religious orthodox and others), each has different standards and curriculum There are ~ 120,000 educators (among them school teachers, kinder garden teachers counselors etc..)

4 Educational Environment The education system is centralized. It is still mainly test driven Math and science requirements: –kinder gardens kids - science concept as part of the everyday routine –Elementary and middle schools - covers basic scientific topics –High schools - student can choose to major in 1 or more scientific or technological subject and pass a matriculation exam at that subject. Or they can do a research project instead of the exam if they choose to (only few do so). –Mathematics is obligatory at low, middle or advanced levels K-12 (including matriculation exams)

5 Science Fairs One national fair “The Israeli Young Scientists and developers Contest” which participated in Intel ISEF for the last 11 years! - Other science fairs exists also (for example: robotics competitions) –Ministry of education is involved by co-funding the contest and by being a major partner regarding the strategy of the contest, Science Museum is organizing the fair –The final ceremony hosted by the president of Israel Intel Local site is involved also in the mentoring and judging process. Academy faculty members also serve as judges This year we had 181 students, with 139 projects submitted. Out of the, 52 students and 38 projects made it to the final stage 2009 winners with Mr. Peres, the president

6 Science Fairs School culture in Israel doesn't sufficiently continuing decrease in the number of projects in the science subjects –Teachers lack experience and organizational support (academic as well as financial). As a result teachers are not motivated to tutor their students in conducting research –Students lack a drive to prefer project preparation over a final exam (insufficient credit / academic recognition, a lot of hours instead of short term study for the exam) –Not enough academic volunteers to mentor the students *(The situation is better in the technological subjects) What are the three biggest obstacles you face?

7Background “CELEBRATE” – a cooperation programs between schools in Israel and the European School net E.U.N. The project will provide schools with an online content database that includes multimedia assets for learning objects “The female science team” program: cooperation between MOE and Intel aiming to encouraging girls to choose scientific paths in school Examples of projects done in MOE: “ESHKOLOT PAIS” - Science Technology and Arts Centers- multi- discipline centers that provide a diversified and enriching learning environment for the community as a whole and especially for middle- school students Each centre is equipped with five advanced laboratories and two art workshops. Operate several programs like: –The Golden Mouse virtual Olympic –The Golden Mouse Olympic –“I can do it” A competition for designing and building equipments for people with special needs

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9 Space Laboratory - Herzliya Science Center POB 5590, Herzliya 46100, Israel, Tel: Schools, 300 Students in one year !!

Israel ORT Our Vision, Our Mission Friends of Israel Sci-Tech Schools seeks to ensure the security and vitality of Israel through the advancement of a strong science and technology education for all its citizens. We support Israel's largest educational network of schools and colleges What We Support A strong education in the sciences and technology. 67% of students at the schools we support are on technology tracks compared to 37% of all other Israeli students. Hands-on social and community service experiences that benefit all Israeli citizens. Comprehensive high schools, industrial schools, educational centers, and technical, engineering and academic colleges throughout Israel. 100,000 students—comprised of Jews, Arabs, Muslims, Christians, Druze and Bedouins—from every part of Israel and every social and economic level. A $10 million annual research and development budget to develop cutting-edge scientific, technological and pedagogic training and curricular materials.