Researchers are sought to propose and supervise research projects or carry out complementary activities for students at IES El Picarral.

Carlos Miramón, teacher and coordinator of the research and excellence baccalaureate (BIE) at IES El Picarral in Zaragoza, has sent us this message for researchers:

"Next year, our school will be a pioneer in teaching the BIE in the science modality. This baccalaureate is an option within the ordinary baccalaureate framework aimed at students who are interested in delving deeper into different research methods and analysing the problems inherent in any research. These will be students with high grades in secondary school who are motivated and committed, and especially interested in scientific knowledge. The BIE has its own characteristics that give it a value of excellence, such as in-depth study of science subjects, the teaching of new subjects related to what research work means, experimentation and specific collaboration with the University."

"The DGA's education department has informed us that there is an agreement with the university that would cover students in the event of any accidents and material expenses, as well as recognition of teaching hours for their dedication. The schedule for the complementary experimentation or preparation activities required by the research project will preferably be in the afternoon and may or may not be face-to-face. In addition, the university may offer specific activities or talks to explore a more specific topic in greater depth.
The order states that these complementary activities will take place at the university centres and partly at the secondary school. These projects, which may be individual or collective, will be supervised by the secondary school tutor in collaboration with the relevant university department.
"Our idea is that the projects should not be individual and, if possible, should be carried out in pairs, bearing in mind that the BIE group will consist of between 15 and 20 students. We would like the project proposals to come from the university departments and the tutors to be the researchers who propose them, with the co-supervision of the school teacher, as your guidance will certainly be more enriching for the students.
Our plan would be for the first year to be spent on the more comprehensive work, such as bibliographic research, experiments, activities, etc., and the second year on writing the project and presenting it to a panel before the end of the second term of that year. This would leave the last term and part of the second term for preparing for the PAU. In the projects that have already been suggested to us by the university, the number of hours for complementary activities is between 20 and 30, but other specific activities on more specific topics that the university may offer, as I mentioned before, can be added to these.

"Although we already have some work projects, we are looking for more collaborators who would like to propose and direct some research for our students, or specific activities to offer. We would be delighted to collaborate. If you find the proposal interesting, we could discuss the details by telephone (637580416) or by email
(miramon.carlos@ieselpicarral.com).
‘These links to centres in Soria and Burgos show the activities and work that the universities offer to these secondary schools with the BIE as an example.’
We hope you find this information useful.