Workshops primary school

Schools 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. Here you will find an overview of the various workshops suitable for primary education and the corresponding teacher's bundles with practical information and links to the development goals, attainment targets and curriculum objectives. Please note that some workshops might only be available in Dutch. Contact the observatory for more information.

Beisbroek 76

Astronaut 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 pupil
Teacher's guide (Dutch)
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). 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 pupil
Teacher's guide (Dutch)
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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 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 pupil
Teacher's guide (Dutch)
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Launching Rockets

During the ‘Launching rockets’ workshop, we find out how the rockets we are going to build work, and how we can 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 pupil

Teacher's guide (Dutch)
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Weather and climate

With this workshop, we will 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). 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)
Weer en klimaat weerinstrumenten

Weather and climate: measuring instruments

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 pupil

Teacher's guide (Dutch)
Escape Room

Escape room

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 pupil

Teacher's guide (Dutch)
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Quest

Scientists in space are constantly looking 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. 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

Astronaut

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

Price: €3 per student

Teacher's guide (Dutch)
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Zwaartekracht (4e - 6e leerjaar)

During this workshop, we will engage in trial and error. You will not only experience gravity, but also learn how gravity works and what it does to you. With the knowledge gained, we will work in groups. Build your own Mars lander and make sure your egg makes a safe landing.

Price: €4 per pupil

Teacher's guide (Dutch)