October 28, 2015
Bringing curiosity-based learning to our children.
“I believe that education – particularly science education – is an absolute necessity for a healthy and vibrant society.”
William Davidson, Founding Benefactor of the Davidson Institute of Science Education
The Davidson Institute of Science Education strongly reflects the forward-thinking values of the Weizmann Institute. Acknowledging that students often hold a mirror to the education they receive, the Davidson Institute nurtures inspirational opportunities for collaboration between students and teachers worldwide.
Established in 2001 and situated on the campus of the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot, the Davidson Institute is the only institute of its kind in the world – one that is wholly geared toward science education. The Davidson Institute organises long-term educational programs for students, facilitates professional teacher development, runs workshops, publishes journals, promotes annual conferences, and conducts seminars. It is within this dynamic ‘international classroom’ that student’s careers are inspired, teacher connections are made, and lifelong collaborations begin.
The raison d’etre of the Davidson Institute is clear: to make informed decisions about our lives, we must first be equipped with a broad understanding of science and technology. Moreover, ongoing demand exists for increasing numbers of better-trained scientists and technologists to enhance our well-being.
The Davidson Institute addresses this need at a pragmatic level, by developing school-focused activities, undertaken in close collaboration with the Department of Science Teaching at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Through this collaboration, Weizmann scientists and students breathe life into these activities on a daily basis – positively influencing budding scientists, who may even follow in their altruistic footsteps.
Recognising that motivation comes in many different forms, the Davidson Institute implements cutting-edge outreach programs for underprivileged students, challenging programs for gifted students, and “thinking out of the square” programs to encourage lateral thought in everyone. In addition, the Davidson Institute champions a wide range of science and maths teacher training courses and runs thought-provoking lectures and seminars for the general public. The Davidson Institute relentlessly reviews each of these programs, to ensure they hold the most pragmatic benefit for each participant – and the greatest opportunity for inspiration.
Students and teachers do not need to live in Israel to reap the benefits of the Davidson Institute. The existing suite of educational programs is growing to reflect a truly accessible outlook, which is not restricted by geography or location.
We invite you to review the ‘At School’ section of this website to learn more about these global opportunities. It is through these innovative programs that the Davidson Institute can fulfill it’s goal: to advance scientific, mathematical and technological education in Israel and internationally, bringing science closer to all.
“The numerous programs of the Davidson Institute of Science Education are dedicated to bringing science to all, whether they are exceptionally talented students, members of the general public, or youngsters who are outside the mainstream of society.”
Prof. Haim Harari, who conceived the Davidson Institute in 2001, and has since served as its Chairman.
