Maths, physics and stargazing. The summer school offered teachers inspiration and shared experiences
How can further training for maths and physics teachers be combined with an enjoyable summer gathering, the sharing of experiences and stargazing? Participants at the 27th Summer School for Maths and Physics Teachers, which took place from 9 to 13 August in the Jizera Mountains, found out for themselves.
Organised by the Department of Mathematics at the Faculty of Science, UJEP, this traditional summer school once again offered several days packed with lectures, workshops and activities focusing on mathematics, physics and their teaching. There was also no shortage of topics linking these disciplines to other fields, such as computer science, engineering and economics.
An important part of the summer school is also the opportunity to share experiences and ideas from teaching practice. During joint sessions, teachers discussed activities that could be used in the classroom, interesting competitions and opportunities for informal education. It is precisely this mutual inspiration and the chance to meet colleagues that are among the values which give this traditional event its unique atmosphere.
Exploring maths and physics, but also gazing at the night sky
However, the summer school was not just about lectures and workshops. The programme and time spent together also included stargazing, which was joined by the Dean of the Faculty of Science at UJEP – Assoc. Prof. RNDr. Michal Varady, Ph.D. Together with the participants, he observed the solar eclipse and, later, the August Perseid meteor shower.
Sky-watching thus offered a further opportunity to combine an academic interest in physics with a direct experience. And whilst during the day the Jizera Mountains were primarily devoted to mathematics, physics and group discussions, the evening sky served as a reminder that science can be not only a subject taught in the classroom, but also a source of wonder and the joy of discovery.
Once again this year, the summer school for maths and physics teachers combined professional development with informal get-togethers, the sharing of experiences and shared adventures. Participants were able to head to the Jizera Mountains not only in search of new knowledge and inspiration for their teaching, but also to meet colleagues and friends and to create memories that will last a lifetime.