SUPERCOMET - SUPERCOnductivity Multimedia Educational Tool

The SUPERCOMET project started in December 2001 and runs until June 2004. Financial support through the Leonardo da Vinci programme phase II of the European Union amounts to 75% of the project�??s total budget of approximately �?� 650 000.

According to the Physics On Stage conference at CERN, Geneva in November 2000, there is a crisis in physics education, and a need for revitalization of physics teaching.

Combining modern pedagogical methods (e.g. collaborative learning and student-centered problem solving) with computer animations, the SUPERCOMET project aims to connect the intriguing phenomenon of superconductivity with the curricula subjects of upper secondary schools in several countries. An accompanying teacher�??s guide and in-service teacher training seminar will ensure that the developed tools and methods are successfully implemented.

Existing computer graphics and animations have been developed through previous projects at NTNU and Simplicatus, focusing on the general dissemination of superconductivity research. These resources are made available for the SUPERCOMET project, allowing for a flying start with respect to the extensive use of graphics in order to visualize the (usually) invisible physical phenomena of electricity and magnetism, as well as connecting with important curriculum subjects like the particle model of matter and energy transfer.

SUPERCOMET Objectives

The main goals of the project are to

�?� Set up an international partnership with competence related to the renewal of physics teaching across Europe.
�?� Establish firm connections with existing organizations for physics educators, researchers in physics education, as well as curriculum authorities and policy makers.
�?� Develop a concept for products related to physics education that may be put to use immediately, simultaneously allowing for expansion with regard to subject and scope.

SUPERCOMET Deliverables

During the 30 months of the project, the plans are to

�?� Produce a computer application combining graphics, animations and networking to make selected parts of the physics curriculum in upper secondary school more interesting and accessible.
�?� Produce a teacher�??s guide explaining the pedagogical ideas and working methods connected to the use of the computer application.
�?� Produce a one-day in-service training seminar for physics teachers, aimed at updating their competence and develop a more modern teaching style.
�?� Test the computer application in a classroom situation.
�?� Test the training seminar and teacher�??s guide on a group of �??reference�?� teachers.
�?� Set up a reference group of academic, political and industrial contacts in each partner country for dissemination purposes.
�?� Organize a project conference in order to focus attention on physics teaching, as well as disseminating the project results.