Mourek, Jan et al.

Biological Summer Course Arachne - Spider Web Connecting People and Different Branches of Science

Abstract. Biological Summer Course Arachne is an optional training course for high ability secondary school students, held by the Arachne Association (Prague, Czech Republic) since 1998. The two weeks stay (designed for 30 - 35 participants) is organised by a team of enthusiastic university students in co-operation with the scientific staff of the Charles University, Faculty of Science and Academy of Science of the Czech Republic. Participants gain current knowledge in a broad spectrum of biological disciplines and practical skills as well. In addition these activities encourage them in further search for information and in critical thinking. The biological scientific program, occupying on average 4.5 h a day, consists of lectures, practical classes, short excursions and optional workshops. Each year, the scientific program has a different framework topic. Several sessions are reserved for teamwork on research projects. The scientific program is supplemented with a wide variety of activities, such as fine arts, dance, non-professional theatre, rhetorical training and team cooperation. All these activities promote further development of the students` abilities, namely creativity, communication and team cooperation. This complex approach is exceptional compared to similar courses in the Czech Republic.