Expo-Laboratory: a learning path based on direct experience and peer education

<p>The teaching of experimental sciences requires continuous updating and needs of tools – laboratories, materials, experimental protocols – that promote the acquisition of the experimental scientific method, through the individual practice of operating procedures that allow personal and direct consolidation and experimental verification of theoretical knowledge.</p><p>Now in its 16th edition, the Expo-laboratory is a learning path of several exhibits, proposed annually in Aosta Valley (Italy), involving different schools and dealing each year with a different topic.</p><p>The exhibition, created with the collaboration of several teachers, is aimed at students from kindergarten to high school, with the aim of presenting scientific aspects both in a theoretical and practical way, through simple tools, experiments or practical demonstrations that can be easily repeated.</p><p>This year the exhibition, entitled "The Science of Wonders", proposes a learning path made by tools and short impressive activities dealing with history and theory of some surprising topics, ranging from chemical sciences to biological, geological and physical ones.</p><p>The peculiarity of Expo-Laboratory is that the illustration of each exhibit is carried out by students, who are called to accompany visitors to discover the various activities, by adapting the content in relation to the age and the interest of the public.</p><p>The Expo-Laboratory presents itself as a real experience of peer learning and teaching and, over the years, it has shown good educational effects, offering students an opportunity to acquire new knowledge, develop scientific communication skills and increase organizational abilities through cooperation and collaboration.</p><p>The experience is generally appreciated by students who, operating with simple materials, but with scientific rigor, have the chance to get really involved. Playing a role they are not used to (the teacher’s one), they have to deal with a heterogeneous audience, sometimes curious and demanding, other times distracted, so they need to test and improve their own engagement abilities, face follow-up questions and provide further explanations. All this, not only enhances their sense of responsibility, but also boosts self confidence and personal skills, definitely stimulating passion and students' interest in sciences.</p>