Presentation

Engaging adult learners in informal opportunities linked to European science heritage is the aim of this Grundtvig learning partnership. France, Poland, Slovakia and the UK will work together with adult learners, including those with sensory disadvantages, to develop illustrated case studies and artwork celebrating scientific pioneers:

Nicolaus Copernicus (1473 - 1543), Léon Foucault (1819 – 1868), Mikuláš Konkoly Thége (1842 – 1916) and Joseph Norman Lockyer (1836 – 1920).

These 4 scientists used the technology of their times to advance our understanding of the Universe: Copernicus deduced the correct position of the Sun in our solar system; Foucault calculated the speed of light and developed the largest silvered-glass mirror telescope in the world; whilst Konkoly and Lockyer developed instrumentation to analyse the chemistry of the Sun and the stars.

This database is carried out in order make simply and freely accessible the astronomical heritage on these four pioneers of sciences and astrophysics as well as general heritage on astronomy.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The partnership will include 4 transnational workshops - which will link with scientific observatories and archive materials. Heritage and artwork will be created with seniors who will also be encouraged to volunteer as exhibition guides in partner countries for a touring exhibition between August 2011 and July 2013.

Illustrated case studies of the scientific pioneers using timelines will be produced and translated into all partner languages.