Dolocitev velikosti in globine kraterjev na Luni

Experimental work in the research of astronomical phenomena is often difficult or even impossible because of long-lasting processes or too distant objects and correspondingly too expensive equipment. In this paper, we present an example of observation of the Moon, which is our nearest astronomic object and therefore does not require professional astronomic equipment for observation. We focus on the observation of craters on the Moon, determining their lateral size and depth on the basis of photographs and simple calculations. The fieldwork with students of junior grade school education was performed within the framework of the optional subject Astronomy. An analysis of the results of the students’ experimental work, as well as of curricula on various levels of education, led us to conclusion that this kind of experimental work is suitable for incorporation in secondary school physics education. With some mathematical simplifications, however, the treatment of the topic can also be appropriate in primary school. Such experimental work enables students to gain specific natural science and mathematical competences that are also required for the study of other natural phenomena. (DIPF/Orig.

ICT and competences connected with the subject Environmental education in primary school

In Slovene educational curriculum the subject Environmental education is taught from the first to the third level of primary school (pupils age between seven and nine). The goal of this subject is not merely acquiring basic facts about the world around usit is rather more important for students to gain specific and general competences for lifelong learning. Competences consist of different kinds of knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as personality attributes (character, behaviour, convictions, etc.). They can be trained only by appropriate didactic methods which force students activity. Teachers must themselves possess required competences in order to guide children in right direction. Therefore, the need for frequent thorough training of teachers often appears. Here we discuss in particular e-learning materials for the 3rd grade Environmental education developed within our national project two years ago. Digital literacy is needed among other teacher\u27s competences when using e-materials in school. We will also focus on a list of generic competences tightly connected with the natural sciences

Role of cascades in converting oscillatory signals into stationary step-like responses

In biological signal transduction pathways intermediates are often oscillatory and need to be converted into smooth output signals at the end. We show by mathematical modelling that protein kinase cascades enable converting oscillatory signals into sharp stationary step-like outputs. The importance of this result is demonstrated for the switch-like protein activation by calcium oscillations, which is of biological importance for regulating different cellular processes. In addition, we found that protein kinase cascades cause memory effects in the protein activation, which might be of a physiological advantage since a smaller amount of calcium transported in the cell is required for an effective activation of cellular processes

E-Learning Materials for 3rd Grade of Primary School - Physics

It is very important for the development of natural science competences of children to choose the right approach to teaching the physics. E-learning materials developed so far are a useful addition to the learning process. Their function is to assist in explaining the real world around us. Among other goals, this means the explanation of experiments and preparation to conduct them. In the frame of our national project we have prepared the e-learning materials which cover the basics of physics for primary school pupils. Children are encouraged to study the materials and conduct their own experiments. Teachers who have used our materials are giving us very encouraging responses and would like to use other learning materials prepared in this way

Drop formation in a falling stream of liquid

The narrowing of a falling stream of liquid is a well-known demonstration of the equation of continuity. We consider the behavior of the bottom of a falling liquid stream where the stream swells swells and forms droplets. Drop formation is demonstrated by detailed photos of experiments. A simple mathematical description and the key processes responsible for drop formation are given

Modeling the amino acid effect on glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a burdensome problem in modern society, and intensive research is focused on better understanding the underlying cellular mechanisms of hormone secretion for blood glucose regulation. T2DM is a bi-hormonal disease, and in addition to 100 years of increasing knowledge about the importance of insulin, the second hormone glucagon, secreted by pancreatic alpha cells, is becoming increasingly important. We have developed a mathematical model for glucagon secretion that incorporates all major metabolic processes of glucose, fatty acids, and glutamine as the most abundant postprandial amino acid in blood. In addition, we consider cAMP signaling in alpha cells. The model predictions quantitatively estimate the relative importance of specific metabolic and signaling pathways and particularly emphasize the important role of glutamine in promoting glucagon secretion, which is in good agreement with known experimental data

Determination of the Size and Depth of Craters on the Moon

Experimental work in the research of astronomical phenomena is often difficult or even impossible because of long-lasting processes or too distant objects and correspondingly too expensive equipment. In this paper, we present an example of observation of the Moon, which is our nearest astronomic object and therefore does not require professional astronomic equipment for observation. We focus on the observation of craters on the Moon, determining their lateral size and depth on the basis of photographs and simple calculations. The fieldwork with students of junior grade school education was performed within the framework of the optional subject Astronomy. An analysis of the results of the students’ experimental work, as well as of curricula on various levels of education, led us to conclusion that this kind of experimental work is suitable for incorporation in secondary school physics education. With some mathematical simplifications, however, the treatment of the topic can also be appropriate in primary school. Such experimental work enables students to gain specific natural science and mathematical competences that are also required for the study of other natural  phenomena