Spring in Iceland means only one thing: the University Knowledge Train is leaving the station and will travel around the country, providing learning and entertainment at two locations in the coming weeks. The first stop is Skagafjörður, where students, teachers, and residents will be taken on a science adventure from April 16-18, featuring diverse subjects introduced in an engaging and accessible manner, in collaboration with regional institutions.
The programme starts on Thursday, 16 April, with teachers’ workshops for elementary school teachers in Skagafjörður, with an emphasis on supporting professional development and introducing new ideas in teaching.
On Friday 17 April, 8th to 10th grade pupils at Árskóli, Varmahlíðarskóli and Grunnskólinn austan Vatna will take part in exciting courses taught by The University Knowledge Train’s teachers. Each pupil will participate in three courses, and among the courses offered are experiments in physics, Japanese studies and origami, physiotherapy, journalism, surgery, astronomy, courage, a creative tech workshop, sports and health sciences, arctic char studies, and cannon building, followed by a shooting tournament.
On Saturday, 18 April, 11.00-14.00, as part of the annual Happy Week in Sauðárkrókur, there will be an open science house in Árskóli. The train’s crew welcomes people of all ages to a family-friendly celebration of science. Guests will be able to test their strength and mobility, learn about Japanese culture and origami, try their hand at suturing synthetic skin like surgeons do, and watch as water rockets are launched high into the air.
There will also be mobility challenges with a physiotherapist, a cannon shooting tournament and the opportunity to do a news interview. Further, guests will be able to examine robots and code with a micro:bit, show their creative side with FabLab Sauðárkrókur, get to know Hólar University, and explore museum activities and archaeological remains of the past, present and future with the Skagafjörður Heritage Museum.
Admission is free and no registration is needed. This is the perfect opportunity for families to experience science in an engaging, entertaining way.
On board the University Knowledge Train are scientists from diverse subject fields at the University of Iceland. Its aim is to make science accessible and exciting to people of all ages and to strengthen ties between the university and communities across the country.
For further information, please visit the University Knowledge Train’s website and Facebook page.
