Developing SALiS Laboratory

Part of the SALiS project is the equipment of the laboratory to enable the effective teacher training on teaching science using active methods. The development of the laboratory needs the consideration of several aspects: technical, curricular, financial. These different aspects are interlinked and therefore have to be addressed in holistic manner Some considerations have to be made about the following issues: Space - There has to be an adequate space set by the institution hosting SALiS for establishing the laboratory. The space has to be planned based on the curricular aspects (the size of the training groups) and technical equipment. The space has to be developed having in mind the pedagogical approaches and pedagogical equipment. e.g. how is the training going to be arranged: individually, as a group enterprise? Besides, will there be a need for demonstrations using whiteboard or digital projector? The safety measures as well as storing of the equipment have to be addressed. While considering space the additional questions addressed should be: is there going to be one general lab, or more specified ones for different strands (biology, chemistry, physics)? Types of the Equipment - The equipment could be divided into three parts: a) general equipment - to be used in variety of experiments and demonstrations. These are devises for heating, storing, measurment etc. b) specific equipment - to be used in a specific set of experiments/demonstrations. c) chemicals or dispensable supplies While developing the lists of the first or the second type of the equipment, we have to bare in mind, that general furniture cannot be included in the list.

Acquisition of the Equipment In order for a timely implementation of the SALiS, it is important to start acquisition of the equipment as soon as possible. For this purpose all partners receiving the TEMPUS grant have to develop a list of the equipment as soon as possible. As suggested by our German partner Mr. Ingo Eilks, it might be important to first acquire the general equipment and basic chemicals. The suggested amount that would be spend for this part is 2/3 of the budget for the laboratory equipment. The specific equipment would be chosen based on the developed training modules and conceptual approaches. The suggested dates for developing and acquisition of the materials are: - the list of the general equipment and chemicals has to be ready - space allocation and possible design for the lab - the first group of equipment is bought and installed