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Nitzanei Mada ("Science Buds")
Nitzanei Mada is an informal education program that brings groups of motivated youngsters together for hands-on enrichment, encouraging them to develop their love for science and technology. In addition, the program aims to nurture a young generation of enthusiasts who will continue their studies to higher education level. At the same time, Nitzanei Mada creates and reinforces local centers for informal science activity.
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 | | Rocket-making experiment |
The program targets 4th-6th graders in 19 locations across the region, and currently includes nearly 1,700 children. Topics in the informal curriculum include:
Man and the environment
Introduction to genetics
Experimental physics
Aeronautics
Introduction to veterinary science
Mathematical games
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Developing High-Tech and Biotech Tracks in High School
Launched in September 2003, this program aims to increase the number of pupils studying in high-tech and bio-tech tracks in high school, by providing counselors to develop and reinforce the teaching in these subjects.
During its first year, the program has focused on shaping biotechnology studies in schools where this track has recently opened. The counselors have met with teaching staff to advise them regarding the study program, the content of the matriculation exam, and the structure of the course.
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Biotech Program
This program recruits the Center for Applied Research at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in order to expose high-school pupils to an authentic research environment, and to increase their motivation for initiating their own research projects.
Targeting 11th-graders, components of the program include day-trips to the university center, visits by the center's scientists to the schools where they conduct experiments with the pupils, and teacher training in topics related to the center's research.
Participation in the program grants pupils one unit toward the matriculation exam in biotechnology. There are currently 452 pupils from 16 schools taking part.
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Physics Program
This program aims to introduce pupils to the subject of physics at the stage before they must decide which matriculation tracks to follow, and reinforce the teaching of physics.
During this school year, a counselor has met with teaching staff and principals in 16 schools, helping them improve teaching methods and assisting them in conducting school projects. He has also helped develop physics labs and infrastructure so that the new physics syllabus can be taught.
In Sderot, a physics center has opened to serve the pupils of five local elementary schools and four 9th-grade classes. The center offers after-school enrichment activities, including outings to the science museum in Haifa and night-time astronomy observations.
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Math Club
Nearly 400 children (4th-10th graders) from 12 southern locations visit Ben-Gurion University at least once a week to take part in the Math Club. This educational framework aims to sharpen the thinking processes and increase the mathematical knowledge and skills of children who enjoy and are good at math. The children participate in national and international math competitions, and have chalked up some impressive achievements, including 1st place in an international competition run by the Quant mathematical journal.
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 | | Math is fun! |
As part of the club's regular activities, participants learn about logic, algebra, mathematical strategy, geometry and other topics, and occasionally enjoy guest lectures and outings. Once a month, the club offers special activities such as inter-group contests, quizzes and math games.
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