Researchers from IFIMAC have conducted condensed matter physics workshops with fifth and sixth-grade students from CEIP Príncipe de Asturias in Cantoblanco, thanks to the Cultural Transfer Grant from UAM in 2024. With the project “Exploring Condensed Matter Physics from Príncipe de Asturias School: Science Workshops with IFIMAC,” we have strengthened our scientific outreach activities and introduced a new initiative to connect with the primary education community in the Community of Madrid (CAM).
This pilot project at CEIP Príncipe de Asturias included five workshops:
- The Scientific Method, a Great Ally! – Aimed at fifth and sixth-grade students, this workshop explores the concept of the scientific method: what it is and how it works. Students apply the method through practical examples, developing their scientific skills.
- What is Matter Made Of? – In this workshop for fifth grade, students learn basic concepts such as atoms and molecules and how atoms are organized into molecules. Through practical activities, they create molecules and complex structures of metals like gold.
- Laws of Motion – Also for fifth grade, this workshop covers Newton’s three laws of motion through practical examples. Students explore concepts such as acceleration, inertia, and invisible forces like gravity, applying them in interactive experiments.
- Where Does Color Come From? – In this workshop for sixth grade, students reflect on what light is and how we perceive color. They explore the nature of color and the various ways it manifests in our everyday environment, gaining a better understanding of optical phenomena.
- Science Gives You Wings – This workshop, also aimed at sixth-grade students, allows them to identify key forces in aerodynamics, such as lift, and discover the importance of shape and angle of attack in flight. They design aerodynamic planes and test them in flight experiments.
Thanks to the Cultural Transfer Grant from UAM, our center has successfully fostered scientific curiosity through practical activities, introduced primary school students to condensed matter physics, and promoted critical thinking and observation of the world around us
