Spring in Iceland means that the University of Iceland Knowledge Train is preparing to leave the station! This May the destinations are Höfn in Hornafjörður and Húsavík.
The formidable crew on board offers fun courses and workshops for both students and teachers. The aim with the Knowledge Train is to communicate science to young people in a vibrant and diverse manner, support the work in Icelandic primary schools, and strengthen the ties to people of all ages around Iceland.
The crew includes experienced teaching staff and students at the University of Iceland and famous teachers such as the multiple award-winning Sævar Helgi Bragason, or Star-Sævar, who will teach astronomy; and explosive-Kata or Katrín Lija Sigurðardóttir, who will teach chemistry.
The curriculum always includes diverse courses from many of the University's fields of study. The Knowledge Train continues with teachers' workshops, offered in addition to courses for pupils, where interested teachers can meet academics from the University of Iceland. There will also be an open science house where the locals of all ages can come and meet the Knowledge Train's teaching staff and learn about the wonders of science.
The Knowledge Train will leave the station on 3 May on its way to Höfn in Hornafjörður. After morning classes at the primary school, there will be an open science house in Heppuskóli between 1.50 - 3 pm. Everyone regardless of their age, can visit the classrooms and see the wonders of science through fun games, gadgets, and challenges. The crew will also be in Húsavík on Wednesday 22 May and the open science house will be in Borgarhólsskóli for the whole community between 4 and 5 pm. After these spring visits the train will rest for the summer and then set off for fresh destinations in the autumn.
The University Knowledge Train has received the Rannís Science communication awards, has stopped at over forty municipalities all over Iceland, and has been warmly received in each and every location. All Knowledge Train activities are organised in collaboration with municipalities and their schools and is free of charge for all.
Information on the Knowledge Train schedule can be retrieved online and on its Facebook page.