Workshops

Groups can opt to add one or more workshops to their programme in addition to (or instead of) the basic visit. These STEM activities always last 1 hour.

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Planet Trail (all ages)

In the beautiful Beisbroek domain located around the Cozmix visitor centre, you can take a walk through a scale model of the solar system. The planets are represented by sculptures by Jef Claerhout. Each step you take corresponds to 9 million kilometres! The planet trail starts in front of the entrance to Cozmix and the Nature Centre, at the level of the sun, next to the sundial. The actual distance is 835 metres and the trail takes you past all the planets, the asteroid belt, Pluto and the Ice dwarfs. Walk along the planetary path and experience that the distance from the sun to Neptune is 30 times the Earth-Sun distance!

Not only is the distance between the planets presented to scale, but also the size of the planets. This scale is a different one from that of the distances, as otherwise the planets would be tiny spheres. Here, 10 centimetres corresponds to 18 000 kilometres. Each planet is additionally represented by its mythological figure. For example, the planet Venus is represented by the Goddess of Love. Fancy this trek through the solar system? Then be sure to bring your walking shoes to Cozmix.

Price: €3 per person

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Scavanger Hunt (all ages)

Scientists are constantly searching through space for new planets, water and life, near-Earth asteroids, ... Maybe other beings in space are also looking for us? But they haven't found us yet. Or have they?

Last night, there were unusual visitors at the observatory, who left at lightning speed. A combination lock was left on our surprise case, so someone has been there, but.... Who is it?

We try to find out which space creature locked the suitcase here. Look for extraterrestials, rockets, constellations and planets in the surrounding forrest. If you find them all, you will know who came by this night and crack the code to open the suitcase and perhaps unwrap a real surprise.

You can do this scavanger hunt at your own pace. You will also be given a lot of information about the planet trail, which you will partly travel during the tour.

Price: €3 per person

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Launching Rockets (all ages)

During the ‘Launching rockets’ workshop, we find out what goes into building our very own rocket. Concepts such as gravity, air resistance, centre of gravity and centre of pressure are explained with the help of various experiments. Afterwards, we assemble a miniature rocket ourselves. Of course the rockets have to be well assembled, but they can also be decorated. Finally, they are launched. Which rocket will go the highest, and which one the furthest?

Price: €4 per person

The following workshops are preferably
only available on weekdays.

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Astronaut Trail (activity for toddlers)

The "Astronaut Trail" workshop puts the focus on learning, play and movement, in line with the development goals set by preschool education in Flanders. Using a complete informational guide and activities per planet, the journey through the solar system becomes even more fun. A wagon completely equipped with all the necessary materials can be borrowed free of chrage. Try following the stepping stones on Mercury, seek all of Jupiter's moons, or march with Mars on the beat of the music!

This workshop is also available without a guide, provided a deposit is paid for the use of the wagon and material. Note that the accompanying instructional bundle is currently only available in Dutch.

Price: €3 per person

Instructional bundle (NL)
Stock photo little kids diy robot machinery

Programming Mars Rovers (10 years and older)

At the observatory, five Mars rovers can be programmed via tablet to perform tasks or experiments on a Martian landscape. In small groups, we programme movements and measurements in a simple way with Scratch, which are constantly tested and adjusted. This can range from traversing trajectories on the landscape to using sensors (colour, pressure, light, gyroscope, distance). This workshop can certainly also be carried out without knowledge of programming. All equipment is available on site.

There is also an extended version of this workshop available, which takes 2 hours. During this time, the principles of programming can be explored even more deeply, and a control panel can be programmed to control the Mars rover in real time.

At most 20 participants per workshop.

Price: €4 per person, per hour.

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Constructing Comets (10 years and older)

Comets have fascinated us since ancient times. But what exactly are comets? Through this workshop, we will try to unravel the secrets of comets.

After some introductory experiments to give us a better understanding of our own solar system, the real work starts! Using all kinds of ingredients, including dry ice (frozen carbon dioxide), we will construct our very own comet. You'll be able to get an exclusive look what they really look like in person... Prepare to be surprised!

Put on your lab coat and goggles, and... action!

At most 24 participants per workshop.

Price: €5 per person

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Gravity (10 years and older)

The basis of this workshop is the tried and true scientific method. You won't only be able to experience gravity, but you'll learn what gravity is and how it acts upon you. Using your newfound knowledge, the pupils group up to make their very own Mars lander. Can they safely land an egg from the top of the observatory?

Price: €4 per person