Philosophy & Approach
The MadaTech Institute for Education in Science & Technology boasts over 20 years of experience in the field of informal science education. Moreover, it has at its disposal, the human resources and expertise of the world-renowned Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, with which it is closely associated.
The three storey, 43,000 square-foot (4,000 square-meter) Institute offers the most technologically advanced educational facilities in the region, enabling a highly dynamic, interactive learning environment, with cutting-edge computerized systems--far removed from that encountered in traditional school classrooms; one in which exhilarating interchanges between students and teachers, using sophisticated learning resources, facilitate spontaneous learning, experimentation and model building in advanced scientific fields.
MadaTech Institute experts seek to develop positive attitudes toward science and technology, through total immersion, involving all faculties and senses: cognitive, emotional and social; and by rendering science relevant to students' daily life experiences. Even after a brief visit, youngsters' more positive attitudes toward science and technology persist long after they have left MadaTech's gates.
The Institute's educational approach can be summed up by 3D's: Discovery, Delight and Drive--to seek to know more by asking questions; to enjoy the learning process; to be sufficiently informed, so as to be able to make value judgments; and to be motivated to pursue studies in science and technology.
Every year, the Institute's host of unique science programs draws about 250,000 kindergarten to high school students. Designed to meet specific academic requirements, learning frameworks and programs enhance, complement and expand subject matter taught within the formal education system.
Science with Added Value
The Institute's special educational orientation, coupled with its innovative programs, encourage participating youngsters to:
- Engage in interactive science, free of the limits imposed within their formal learning environment;
- Experience hands-on, cutting-edge science and technology; and gain access to future scientific developments;
- Take part in total learning environments;
- Participate in project-based programs and informal group learning environments, where groups pace their learning in line with their needs/abilities.
- Undertake collaborative teamwork;
- Enhance creative problem-solving abilities;
- Adopt behavior patterns characteristic of the scientific community: logical discussion & argumentation, research tools, a scientific approach, learning by trial and error, etc.;
- Develop a spirit of entrepreneurship;
- Evolve a critical approach to products encountered/used in daily life;
- Acquire knowledge, on the basis of which they can make value judgments on environmental and other issues affecting their lives and the society around them (such as cellular antennas, transportation infrastructure, noise, etc.).
