Optics outreach in Irish context

Abstract

The Applied Optics Group, National University of Ireland Galway is a research centre involved in programmes that cover a wide variety of topics in applied optics and imaging science, including smart optics, adaptive optics, optical scattering and propagation, and engineering optics. The Group have also developed significant outreach programmes both in Primary and Post-Primary schools. It is recognised that there is a need for innovation in Science Education in Ireland and we are committed to working extensively with schools. The main aim of these outreach programmes is to increase awareness and interest in science with students and enhance the communication skills of the researchers working in the Group. The education outreach team works closely with the relevant teachers in both Primary and Post-Primary schools to design and develop learning initiatives to match the needs of the target group of students. The learning programmes are usually delivered in the participating schools during normal class time by a team of Applied Optics specialists. We are involved in running these programmes in both Primary and Post-Primary schools where the programmes are tailored to the curriculum and concentrating on optics and light. The students may also visit the Groups research centre where presentations and laboratory tours are arranged. The Applied Optics Group is an active member of TREO-the Third Level Research Education and Outreach Group which coordinates outreach activities nationally and supported by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI). This paper is freely available as a resource for the optics and photonics education community.

Hands-on optics and photonics outreach in Riga

“…Also it is believed that students who had performed hands-on experiments will be encouraged to choose their further education in the field of science comparing to them who had not 3 . In this paper new results are showed and analyzed.…”