Project SPIE 0000000065 – LabIR Edu: explore invisible dimensions of our lives

Project Title

LabIR Edu: explore invisible dimensions of our lives

Identification code

0000000065


Funding provider

SPIE – The international society for optics and photonics


Programme

SPIE Education Outreach Grants Program


Project Coordinator

University of West Bohemia in Pilsen / New Technologies – Research Centre

Project start

05/2021

Project end

04/2022

Abstract

Activities of LabIR Edu started with development of a special infrared “IR” camera for education. Experts from research centre NTC used their more than twenty years of experience in the field of infrared measurement and technologies to develop and design it as an innovative teaching tool for schools. They were motivated by teachers’ enthusiasm when working with a professional IR camera. Teachers could finally see thermal reactions of their experiments and wanted the same for their students. That brought the team to the idea that IR cameras could be used in school teaching if they make them affordable and easy to use.


We want to give students a chance to work hands-on with photonics. Thanks to LabIR Edu Kit, school lessons could become explorative, fun and at the same time meaningful. They help students understand how heat and thermal processes work and let them really “see” the subject being taught. Teaching using IR cameras encourages creativity, and other scientific skills necessary to pursue careers in technical and natural sciences fields. The grant would allow us to continue on last year’s activities supported by SPIE when we have met the set goals by introducing LabIR Edu Kit in two Czech regions – West and South Bohemia. This year we plan to expand our activities to the entire Czech Republic. The grant is intended to organise teacher training with the IR camera and lend LabIR Edu Kits including 10 IR cameras to schools throughout the Czech Republic.

Total project cost

5.000 USD

Contact