Primary school workshops

Schools may choose to add one or more workshops to their programme in addition to (or instead of) the basic visit. Here you will find an overview of the different workshops fit for primary school pupils. Please note that some workshops might only be available in Dutch. Contact the observatory for more information.

Beisbroek 76

Planet Trail (all ages)

In the beautiful Beisbroek domain located around the Cozmix visitor centre, you can take a walk through a scale model of the solar system. The planets are represented by sculptures by Jef Claerhout. Each step you take corresponds to 9 million kilometres! The planet trail starts in front of the entrance to Cozmix and the Nature Centre, at the level of the sun, next to the sundial. The actual distance is 835 metres and the trail takes you past all the planets, the asteroid belt, Pluto and the Ice dwarfs. Walk along the planetary path and experience that the distance from the sun to Neptune is 30 times the Earth-Sun distance!

Not only is the distance between the planets presented to scale, but also the size of the planets. This scale is a different one from that of the distances, as otherwise the planets would be tiny spheres. Here, 10 centimetres corresponds to 18 000 kilometres. Each planet is additionally represented by its mythological figure. For example, the planet Venus is represented by the Goddess of Love. Fancy this trek through the solar system? Then be sure to bring your walking shoes to Cozmix.

Price: €3 per pupil

Teacher's Guide (Dutch)
Stock photo little kids diy robot machinery

Programming Mars Rovers (4th - 6th grade)

At the observatory, five Mars rovers can be programmed via tablet to perform tasks or experiments on a Martian landscape. In small groups, we programme movements and measurements in a simple way with Scratch, which are constantly tested and adjusted. This can range from traversing trajectories on the landscape to using sensors (colour, pressure, light, gyroscope, distance). This workshop can certainly also be carried out without knowledge of programming. All equipment is available on site.

At most 20 participants per workshop.

Price: €4 per pupil

Teacher's Guide (Dutch)
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Constructing Comets (5th - 6th grade)

Comets have fascinated us since ancient times. But what exactly are comets? Through this workshop, we will try to unravel the secrets of comets.

After some introductory experiments to give us a better understanding of our own solar system, the real work starts! Using all kinds of ingredients, including dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide), we will construct our very own comet. You'll be able to get an exclusive look what they really look like in person... Prepare to be surprised!

Put on your lab coat and goggles, and... action!

At most 24 participants per workshop.

Price: €5 per pupil

Teacher's Guide (Dutch)
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Launching Rockets (all ages)

During the ‘Launching rockets’ workshop, we find out what goes into building our very own rocket. Concepts such as gravity, air resistance, centre of gravity and centre of pressure are explained with the help of various experiments. Afterwards, we assemble a miniature rocket ourselves. Of course the rockets have to be well assembled, but they can also be decorated. Finally, they are launched. Which rocket will go the highest, and which one the furthest?

Price: €4 per pupil

Teacher's Guide (Dutch)
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Weather & Climate (3rd - 6th grade)

With this workshop, we will try to describe the elements of weather and how it is examined, clarify differences between weather and climate, and address current events such as global warming. We use data gathered by our own digital weather station, and take a look at the sundial and the old weather station outside. In groups, we move outside with backpack and bundle to explore the current weather with our own measuring instruments. This workshop can be requested at 3rd - 4th grade or 5th - 6th grade primary school level. Additionally, we visualise the course of the seasons, the sun-earth-moon system and events relating to it (eclipses, moon phases). At the end you may receive additional information about the climate on other planets and the habitable zone around other stars.

Price: €4 per pupil

Teacher's Guide (Dutch)
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Weather & Climate: Measuring Instruments (5th - 6th grade)

In this workshop, pupils get to work on making their own measuring instrument. First, we look at the different elements of the weather and how to measure them. Then, using visual instructions, step-by-step photographs, and all the necessary materials, pupils can make one measuring instrument: a barometer (easy), anemometer (medium) or pluviometer (difficult). The pupils may take the instruments home with them. All materials are provided on site.

Price: €4 per pupil

Teacher's Guide (Dutch)
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Scavenger Hunt (all ages)

Scientists are constantly searching through space for new planets, water and life, near-Earth asteroids, ... Maybe other beings in space are also looking for us? But they haven't found us yet. Or have they?

Last night, there were unusual visitors at the observatory, who left at lightning speed. A combination lock was left on our surprise case, so someone has been there, but.... Who is it?

We try to find out which space creature locked the suitcase here. Look for extraterrestials, rockets, constellations and planets in the surrounding forrest. If you find them all, you will know who came by this night and crack the code to open the suitcase and perhaps unwrap a real surprise.

You can do this scavanger hunt at your own pace. You will also be given a lot of information about the planet trail, which you will partly travel during the tour.

Price: €3 per pupil

Teacher's Guide (Dutch)
Stock photo girl astronaut holding plant

Astronauts (5th - 6th grade)

Through an interactive quiz, pupils will get the know the ins and outs of being an astronaut. They'll be able to experience the trials and tribulations of becoming an astronaut. Once you enter the ISS, life is completely different. It'll be a quest from A to Z.

Price: €3 per pupil

Teacher's Guide (Dutch)
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Gravity (4th - 6th grade)

The basis of this workshop is the tried and true scientific method. You won't only be able to experience gravity, but you'll learn what gravity is and how it acts upon you. Using your newfound knowledge, the pupils group up to make their very own Mars lander. Can they safely land an egg from the top of the observatory?

Prijs: €4 per leerling

Teacher's Guide (Dutch)