Heike Schettler, Ashoka-Lemelson Fellow
school system by emphasizing technology.
Credit: Ashoka
Inspiring Science and Curiosity in the Minds of Children
One of the world’s abundant yet often untapped natural resource is the endless enthusiasm of children who seek answers to questions that puzzle them. Ashoka-Lemelson Fellow Heike Schettler is tapping this resource to encourage German school kids to explore science.
Designed for children from age four to ten, Schettler’s innovative Science Lab program is reaching out to schools around Germany, challenging a top-down education system with an alternative that gives kids the opportunity to be in charge of their own learning. Courses take place in groups of eight and last 14 weeks; children work in teams and also receive individual support to develop at their own pace. Lessons are designed as fun ways of leading the students into a deeper understanding of the world’s complexities.
program in Germany encourages children
to explore science. Credit: Ashoka
Supporting a child’s innate curiosity at an early age not only nurtures them for future education or careers in science and technology, but also equips them to become grownups who make informed decisions about public issues related to science. Schettler strives to touch children of all backgrounds with her program, making extra effort to reach out to poorer neighborhoods and those composed almost entirely of immigrants. She tailors science experiments and classes so that children are empowered to overcome language and social barriers.
Read more: Ashoka-Lemelson Fellow page for Heike Schettler