…. “convey to the readers all the knowledge accumulated in the fields of geography, physics and astronomy… in a pleasant and picturesque way”

2005 is the centennial of the death of Jules Verne, the “founding

father” of science fiction in France.

To mark the event, we will set out on "voyages" following his books.

According to the author himself, the main goal of his writings was to:

encourage readingthrough

experiencing activities in the field of science

stimulate love of sciencethrough

reading books

Why do we connect reading and science?

• Both fields have an extensive influence on language enrichment and the development of learning and thinking skills.

• Official reports and surveys reveal difficulties in attracting children and teenagers to both fields.

• Numerous activities are available in each field separately, but a connection between them is not common.

• Initiating fun and fascinating activities which do connect these fields can attract the youngsters to both domains.

)*(Fleener, C., and Bucher, K., In: Childhood Education Winter 2003-2004; 80,2

A survey (*) of recent studies dealing with combining literature with science teaching reveals that:

reading booksreading books::

stimulates motivation to stimulates motivation to engage in scienceengage in science

enhances understanding enhances understanding of scientific concepts, of scientific concepts, laws and processeslaws and processes

experiencing experiencing

scientific discovery:scientific discovery:

improves reading improves reading skillsskills

encourages readingencourages reading

Our program consists of 4 main components:

A. A theatre act

B. A creative writing workshop

C. An interactive exhibition of scientific

devices

D. A science and technology workshop

Presentation of Jules Verne through:

“An encounter” between a child and the “author”

Posing a scientific dilemma through:

A suspenseful episode from one of the author’s books

A creative writing workshop

the compass

An interactive exhibition of scientific devices

Perform a number of scientific experiments to gain an understanding of the laws underlying the devices

Read together an extract from a book in which a technological device is mentioned

Every child builds a model of the technological device to strengthen understanding and as a keepsake

In addition to the four program components, it is possible to widen the program activities to include things such as:

• Initiating additional more in depth investigation tasks following the activity and guiding the learners in performing them • Initiating a "Legend and Technology Fair“ within the school or within the community

Dr Zvi Har’el – the most comprehensive site about Jules Verne – www.jv.gilead.org.il

Centre for Library Guidance & Supervision – linked with the libraries and the Ministry of EducationInformation on the Center available at: www.icl.org.il

The French Institute at the French Embassy in Israel: Financial support in specific settlements.Details about the Institute in Tel-Aviv and the branches in Haifa and Be'er Sheva available at the French Embassy website:www.ambafrance-il.org

Mr Victor Ben-Naim, Director of Public Libraries Department, the Ministry of Education

Those listed below have significantly contributed to the continued success of this unique Technokid Educational Program: