Evaluation of field trials of innovative practices in science education

Science and technology (S&T) education is vital to increase the science literacy in modern societies and to stimulate more young people to opt for careers in S&T. Because there are considerable differences in S&T education among and sometimes within countries, it is promising to adopt an adaptive strategy to its innovation that allows a fit to the specific conditions of each of the countries. In this report, we present first results of field trials with innovative practices in S&T education. They have been carried out within the project “kidsINNscience. Innovation in Science Education – Turning Kids on to Science”, a collaborative SICA project funded under the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Union, see www.kidsINNscience.eu). The main questions addressed are: 1. What strategies for teaching and learning in S&T motivate teachers and learners in the participating countries? 2. What similarities and differences are there in innovating S&T teaching and learning in the participating countries