Workshops

Groups can opt to add one or more workshops to their programme in addition to (or instead of) the basic visit. These STEM activities always last 1 hour.

Beisbroek 76

Planet Trail

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 person

Stock photo little kids diy robot machinery

Programming Mars Rovers

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.

For a more in-depth exploration of the rovers, we also offer a 2-hour workshop.

At most 20 participants per workshop.

Price: €4 per person

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Constructing Comets

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 person

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Launching Rockets

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 person

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Weather & Climate

This workshop is designed at the middle school level (7th - 8th 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. 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 person

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Weather & Climate: Measuring Instruments

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 person

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Scavanger Hunt

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 person

Stock photo girl astronaut holding plant

Astronaut

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 person

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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?

Price: €4 per person

Teacher's guide (Dutch)
Spectroscopie

Spectroscopy

This workshop is designed in different versions at the junior (9th & 10th grade) and senior (11th & 12th grade) levels.

At the junior level, we start from optics. Light breaks into different components when it passes through a prism. But what does this mean? What information is hidden in that light? This is clearly explained by means of exercises and a practical session with a real spectroscope. But why is this relevant to astronomy? Types of stars and spectral classes are discussed, and so light gradually reveals some of its secrets.

The senior level also starts from optics, but soon emission and absorption are introduced. What does this mean in concrete terms? Photons appear to be the main culprit. How does that translate into spectral lines? We also look at their significance for astronomy. The various spectral classes are discussed in greater detail, with the Balmer series as the crowning glory. All this is spiced up with exercises and practicals using various spectral lamps and spectroscopes.

Price: €4 per student

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Gravity (Relatively Simple)

How come planets move around a star in an orbit? How did the Apollo missions fly to the Moon? What are gravitational waves, and can we observe them?

In a relatively simple way, the pupils are guided through the inner workings of gravity. They are free to experiment and hypothesize about several possible astronomical situations, modeled using a gravitational well. Maybe we might even catch a glimpse of gravitational waves using our own interferometer!

Price: €4 per student