Planet path (from 10 years)

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 rovers (from 10 years)

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). Depending on pupils' prior knowledge, the activities can be adapted. This workshop can certainly also be carried out without knowledge of programming. All equipment is available on site. Maximum 20 participants per workshop.

Price: €4 per person

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Constructing comets (from 10 years)

Comets have fascinated since time immemorial. 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 will start: we will build our own comet! Using all the ingredients, including frozen CO2 gas, we will craft our own comet and you can see what it actually looks like for real... Just prepare for some surprises!
Gloves on, safety glasses on... action! Maximum 24 participants per workshop.

Price: €5 per person

Launching rockets (all ages)

During the ‘Launching rockets’ workshop, we find out how the rockets we are going to build work, and how to make them. Concepts such as gravity, air resistance, centre of gravity and centre of pressure are explained through 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, furthest?

Price: €4 per person

Weather & climate (from 9 years)

With this workshop, we try to describe the elements of weather, introduce its investigation, clarify differences between weather and climate and address current topics such as global warming. We use data from the digital weather station on the tower and take a look at the sundial and the old weather station outside. In groups, we move outside with backpack and bundle to discover the current weather with our own measuring instruments. This workshop can be requested at 2nd and 3rd grade primary school level, as well as 1st grade secondary school level. In the process, we visualise the course of the seasons, the sun-earth-moon system and related events (eclipses, moon phases). To conclude, you may receive additional information about the climate on other planets and the habitable zone around other stars.

Price: €4 per person

Weather & climate: measuring instruments (from 11 years)

In this workshop, students will get to work making their own measuring instrument. First, we look at the different weather elements and how to measure them. Then, using a photo step-by-step plan and all the necessary materials, pupils can make 1 measuring instrument: a barometer (easy), anemometer (medium) or pluviometer (difficult). These may be taken away after the workshop. All materials are provided on site.

Price: €4 per person

Escape room (from 11 years)

Can your class escape in time? The whole class is locked in a room together, the only way out is by working together and finding the final code. Small groups have to solve riddles and perform experiments, but sometimes groups will also have to work together to progress. Along the way, pupils will learn more about climate and climate change. Are you up to the challenge?

Price: €4 per person

Quest (all ages)

Scientists in space are constantly searching for new planets, water and life, earthlings, ... 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 around our surprise case, so someone has been there but.... Who is it?

We try to find out which space creature locked the suitcase here. In the forest, look for space creatures, rockets, constellations and planets. If you find them all, you will know who came by this night and crack the code to open the suitcase to continue the visit or unwrap a real surprise.

You can do this discovery and quest at your own pace. There is also 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 (from 10 years)

Using an interactive quiz, pupils learn all about astronaut. They get to experience first-hand the tests a astronauthas to go through. Once inside the ISS, life there is completely different. It will be a journey from A to Z.