Seminars and meetings for the Biophilia project and the Nordic Knowledge Train were held in Iceland in November attended by thirty participants from Nordic Educational and Science Institutes. The University of Iceland has contributed to both projects that will now be exported to the other Nordic Countries.
The University of Iceland has taken part in developing the educational project Biophilia in collaboration with the musician Björk, and the city of Reykjavík for the past few years. The project has its roots in Björk‘s album Biophila, released in 2011. Biophilia was the first app-album in the world. Each of the songs/apps (or 'song apps') refer to a specific concept in science and music theory, using innovative technological approaches. The aim of the Biophilia project is to develop modern teaching methods in line with technology as well as inspiring scientific and artistic, and not least musical, interest in the young.
The Biophilia project is a major contribution on behalf of Iceland during their presidency in the Nordic Council of Ministers 2014. This means that schools all over the Nordic countries will participate in the continuing development of the project, and implement it in their teaching. All of the Nordic countries are involved, in addition to Aland Islands, the Faroe Islands and Greenland; and representatives from all of them came to Iceland to study various aspects of the project. 2015 is a year for trial teaching, and the results will be evaluated in 2016.
The Nordic regions that participate in Biophila will also launch the so-called Nordic Knowledge train in their home country. The model is based on the University train that has travelled around Iceland from 2011 with great success. On the University Train chosen courses from the University of the Young are on offer for pupils in elementary schools, and a scientific show is put on in each location where science is displayed in a colourful and lively manner. A Biophilia musical science workshop will be offered, as well as courses for teachers at each train stop.