Estonia 
The Institute of Chemistry at the University of Tartu organized an inspirational summer camp for chemistry teachers on August 12–14, where about 80 teachers from all over Estonia participated. Creative learning methods were experimented within various practical workshops, to gather inspiration for the upcoming academic year.
The main focus was on laboratory tests, digital tools, creativity and teamwork. To ensure that teachers could actually run experiments during the lab workshop, Semetron supported the event with all kinds of working equipment and educational items. Lea Plinker, Semetron’s sales manager of lab supplies, is dedicated to ensuring that the selection of laboratory consumables includes exactly what is needed.
The three-day event featured 13 workshops and several lectures that combined a science-based approach with playfulness and practical activities, guiding teachers back into the role of learners. The most popular workshops were the science school research lab and chemistry practicals. The first of these studied the vitamin C levels in vegetables using iodometric titration and debated how to integrate chemistry into biology, mathematics, and everyday life.
Heili Kasuk, co-organizer of the camp and deputy director of studies at the University of Tartu’s Institute of Chemistry, highlighted the importance of the event. “The professional development of teachers is not limited to knowledge and skills. When teachers experience science-based and practical learning methods, they can use these tools to inspire the love of exploring in their students and support science-based thinking,” Kasuk noted.
