In her keynote speech, Brigitte Tiefenthaler (Technopolis Group) presented the results of the current evaluation of Sparkling Science. The evaluation shows that Sparkling Science 2.0 not only produces high-quality scientific results but also has a wide range of positive effects on a personal level. These include competence building among all participating groups – especially schoolchildren, teachers, and researchers – improved access to science, including for schools in peripheral regions, and contributions to the implementation of “Open Science.” The discussion, moderated by Xaver Forthuber, opened with brief introductions of the panel guests:
Doris Enzenhofer is a teacher at MS 5 Linz and reported on the many positive experiences she and her class had while participating in the Sparkling Science project “Circus of Knowledge.” For example, the students' self-confidence, courage, reflective abilities, and expressiveness were strengthened.
Werner Holzheu followed with numerous examples of how, as a teacher at HLTW Bergheidengasse Vienna, he found science and democracy education initiatives to be both instructive and empowering for young people.
Christoph Musik emphasized the importance of practical action. As managing director of Acker Austria, he was able to report on the many facets of sustainable education and that, despite all the support he provides, self-efficacy is an important concern for him.
The conclusion of the panel discussion was that educational and democratic initiatives can play a central role in bringing about lasting change in schools. Not only do they convey democratic values and scientific skills, but they also have a deeper impact on teachers and learners through long-term, participatory projects. At the same time, it became clear that the effectiveness of such approaches is closely linked to structural conditions: only with targeted support, sufficient resources, and systematic impact measurement can these initiatives reach their full potential. It is also important to reflect on the limitations of such projects to ensure that engagement remains effective and long-lasting.
The final report of the Sparkling Science evaluation is available here for review.
A recording of the event is available on YouTube.
