INVITATION TO “DIVE IN”: AN EXPERIMENTAL CONFERENCE ON PARTICIPATORY SCIENCE

We are excited to invite you to something very different. The experiential “DIVE IN” conference, an exploration into the world of participatory science in youth work, will happen on Thursday, 4th of April 2024, between 10.00 and 13.00 in HEKA (Amfiteater Bonifika, Cesta Zore Perello – Godina 3). 

This pioneering event focuses on the role of youth work in science and emphasizes the importance of their engagement and support in the scientific community.

WHY DIVE IN?

In our rapidly evolving world, science is vital for understanding and addressing our complex challenges. The youth, as the future creators of our society, are pivotal in shaping this future. Their unique perspectives, creativity, and technological connections open new possibilities for scientific advancement and innovation. Nurturing curiosity, active participation and building resilience is few of the crucial aspects we need to address with our young people and we see, that we can Dive into this together. 

OUR MISSION 

The “DIVE IN” conference aims to create an environment where young explorers, students, and enthusiasts can share ideas, collaborate, and learn from established experts. We aim to bridge the gap between the young people, youth work, and the scientific community, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and openness. We have, for the last two years, through the project DIVE IN, discovered lots of different approaches and methodologies on how to show this to young people.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

• Keynote speech from Tomislav, a Young researcher from UR institute, that shows the future of education
• Interactive workshops and practical demonstrations.
• Networking opportunities and collaborative initiatives.

PROGRAMME SCHEDULE:

10:00 – 10:30 Welcoming speech and participatory activities

10:30 – 12:00 Various Workshops (more in the descriptions)

12:00 – 12:45 Living Library (Why citizens science, How to use it in educational settings, Good Practices and more)

12:45 – 13:00 Wrap up and non formal gathering 

INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS: 

• M5 – Discover our PlugNPlay toolbox! (Gluon)

Do you like to explore innovative solutions for your environment? Are you interested in digital tools? We’ve set out a series of challenges for you to design or prototype creative solutions within themes such as ‘Climate Change’ and ‘Unlock The City’. With M5 sticks and a toolbox full of sensors and modules, you will create your own prototype, or even better; a work of art!

• DIY ‘mud battery’ (UR Institute)

How to make one-chamber MFC with the help of microbes found in mud – a so-called ‘mud battery’? With a fairly simple step by step process, through which you will be guided with the mentors, you will create your very own Mud battery and see, how the natural processes can end up in the production of energy and light a bulb. 

• System thinking through The LEGO® Serious Play® (PiNA)

System thinking theories might be a complicated words. But to understand what kind of systems are surrounding us and how the interconnectedness of the systems works, is crucial to understand as well our position in the worlds. If we make it a LEGO model, it makes sense, connections are clear, we understand which systems from school, mobility, water pipes and health care system we need in order to live our daily lives. Discover more with us. 

• Experiential immersive sound room (PiNA)

KUBER is an experiential sound facility exploring the potential of digital spatial audio for artistic expression and research. Spatial Audio refers to the ability to express and perceive sound in a three-dimensional space, creating an immersive and realistic listening experience. At KUBER, we believe spatial audio formats can transcend boundaries, driving multiple innovations across disciplines. Atendees will have the opportunity to try out how to produce music and how to create the immersive sound experience. 

• Dive into Bioplastics – plastic from Shrimp shelves – it’s possible!  (PiNA)

Have you ever though about what happens to shrimp shelves after we eat them? They can be transformed into Bioplastics. We will have an open talk about the production of bioplastic in a lab, where it is produced, needs of disposable materials, how to rethink product developing by the material properties and the possible narrations of the environmental issues. 

PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO:

• Extract DNA from a banana, understanding the basics of genetic science in a fun and tangible way.
• Write lines of code and witness the magic of programming by making a robot fly.
• Engage in other hands-on activities that make science accessible and enjoyable.

JOINING “DIVE IN” IS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO:

• Expand your knowledge of the discoveries about citizens’ science in youth work.
• Meet and collaborate with young scientists and experts.
• Contribute to shaping the future of participatory science.

We invite you to be part of this unique event and contribute to shaping a better future through the power of science and discovering it with young people. 

REGISTER HERE:

If you are curious, please, register HERE, latest by the 2nd of April 2024, and dive in with us. 

For more information or questions, please approach us at info@pina.si