The FAST Festival, organized by the University of Nîmes and supported by passionate associations, is an event that transforms the teaching of science. Until April 12, the festival is unfolding in several colleges in Gard, such as the Romain Roland college in Nîmes, where Olivier Devic attended a scientific discovery workshop.
Magali, a biology teacher and coordinator of success networks, explains: “Our students often see science as difficult, even inaccessible. The goal is to show them that it can be accessible and exciting through fun workshops.” The idea is to spark curiosity and prove that science is not just for the elite.
Practical workshops are key to engaging middle school students. They learn by actively participating in experiments. “We work on a wide range of subjects, such as the brain, chemistry with perfume, or oil,” says Magali. These workshops allow young people to manipulate and intuitively discover scientific concepts.
Students particularly enjoy practical activities, such as biology lab work, or workshops on the sea and ocean. Jules, from the “P’tits Débrouillards” organization, adds: “Today, students are hands-on. They are autonomous and discover themes like biodiversity or ocean pollution in a lively way.” This approach makes science much more accessible and interesting.
The FAST Festival also strengthens ties between students and various associations working to democratize science. The “P’tits Débrouillards,” a science mediation association, share their passion for science while addressing important social issues such as discrimination or gender equality. Each workshop is an opportunity to discover new things for both young people and educators.
The friendly and participatory aspect of this event makes it a memorable experience for the students. Whether they are conducting experiments on the senses or repairing bikes at the Repair Café, they are immersed in a shared and collective discovery experience. “It’s a much more dynamic environment than traditional classroom settings,” says one student.
By bringing a variety of experiences to Gard’s colleges, the FAST Festival allows many young people to discover science in a new light and, perhaps, inspire scientific careers for the future.
