OPENLAB Courses and Internships
for Pre-Service Teachers
OPENLAB
Courses and Internships
for Pre-Service Teachers
Gain practical experience in teaching science
Are you training to become a teacher of biology, chemistry, or another science subject? Would you like to feel more confident when leading experiments, working with groups, and explaining scientific topics to pupils?
Take part in courses and practical internships within the cross-border network of OPENLAB educational laboratories.
The programme connects institutions in Brno, České Budějovice, and Linz and gives pre-service teachers an opportunity to explore different approaches to hands-on science education, science communication, and working with school groups.
The programme is not limited to observing experienced instructors. You will first try selected activities yourself and then learn how to present them to pupils in a clear, safe, and engaging way.
What does the programme offer?
Participants can choose from two types of activities:
1) a two-day course for
pre-service teachers
2) a two-day practical internship at a selected laboratory
Two-Day Course for Pre-Service Teachers
Available at all partner laboratories except VIENNA OPEN LAB
The course is based on active participation. Participants first complete selected experiments and laboratory activities in the same way that pupils would experience them.
They will work with equipment and worksheets, observe the progress of experiments, formulate questions, evaluate results, and discuss what worked well during the activity.
They will then examine the programme from the perspective of a future teacher.
- adapting experiments to the age and prior knowledge of pupils,
- explaining scientific concepts simply and accurately,
- working with groups whose members have different levels of knowledge and work at different speeds,
- encouraging active participation and independent thinking,
- responding to common questions and misunderstandings,
- using experiments when time or equipment is limited,
- connecting laboratory activities with the school curriculum,
- leading reflection after an activity has been completed.
Two-Day Practical Internship
To provide sufficient individual support and high-quality feedback, internships will take place in small groups.
DAY ONE: Observation and Preparation
On the first day, participants will:
- become familiar with the laboratory and its equipment,
- review the relevant safety rules,
- learn about the topic and objectives of the selected programme,
- observe an experienced instructor,
- try selected experiments themselves,
- discuss the course of the programme and the pupils’ responses,
- prepare for their own involvement on the second day.
Observation will not be passive. Participants will focus on areas such as giving instructions, organising group work, responding to questions, ensuring safety, and supporting pupils who need additional time or assistance.
DAY TWO: Assistance and Microteaching
On the second day, participants will become actively involved in working with a school group, depending on the programme topic, their previous experience, and arrangements with the instructor.
They may, for example:
- support pupils working in small groups,
- explain individual steps of an experiment,
- help pupils observe and evaluate results,
- lead a short activity or part of the programme,
- take on the role of lead instructor for a selected task.
The programme will be followed by a joint reflection session. Each participant will receive specific feedback on their work with the group, the clarity of their instructions, their communication, and the way they led the activity.
The aim is not to deliver a flawless performance, but to try the role of an instructor in a safe environment and gain experience that can later be applied during teaching practice and in their own classroom.
What Will Participants Gain?
PARTICIPANTS WILL GAIN:
- practical experience in teaching science,
- greater confidence in leading experiments,
- inspiration for their own lessons and teaching placements,
- experience of working with a real school group,
- feedback from experienced instructors,
- an opportunity to compare different educational approaches,
- contact with laboratories in the Czech Republic and Austria,
- new professional connections and experience in an international environment.
The programme helps connect subject knowledge, science education methodology, and practical experience in guiding pupils.
Where Will the Activities Take Place?
An educational laboratory focused on practical science programmes, experimentation, and working with school groups.
An educational science laboratory at Masaryk University offering hands-on programmes that connect school learning with real scientific practice. Through experiments and practical activities, participants explore scientific topics, experience how science works, and develop their curiosity and scientific thinking.
An educational laboratory bringing together the diverse research expertise of the Biology Centre, with a strong focus on ecology and connections across plant molecular biology, parasitology, entomology, soil biology and biochemistry, and hydrobiology.
An educational laboratory at the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences offering hands-on programmes inspired by real scientific research. Drawing on the Centre’s broad expertise in life sciences, participants explore scientific questions through experiments and practical activities that connect school learning with current research and real-world practice.
A hands-on life science laboratory offering children, young people, and adults the opportunity to experience the everyday work of a molecular biology research laboratory. Through practical experiments, participants explore genetics, genetic engineering, and biotechnology while gaining insight into scientific research and engaging with its wider societal and ethical dimensions.
An educational science laboratory at Johannes Kepler University Linz focused on chemistry and life sciences. Through hands-on experiments in a real laboratory environment, children and young people investigate scientific questions, explore phenomena from everyday life, and experience how science and research work in practice. Through these activities, the participants gain a closer look at the world of science, sparking curiosity and interest in scientific careers.
Who Is the Programme For?
The programme is primarily intended for students training to teach science subjects, particularly: biology, chemistry, general science, and other related subjects.
Previous experience in teaching, science communication, or laboratory work is an advantage, but it is not required.
WE PRIMARILY EXPECT PARTICIPANTS TO DEMONSTRATE:
- an interest in working with children and young people,
- a willingness to participate actively,
- an interest in hands-on teaching and experimentation,
- openness to receiving feedback,
- reliability and respect for safety rules.
How to Apply
Capacity
Applicants will complete a short motivation form.
If the number of applicants exceeds the available capacity, participants may be selected based on their motivation, academic focus, availability, and the capacity of the individual institutions.
Dates and Organisation
Courses will take place on scheduled two-day dates in Brno, České Budějovice, Linz and Vienna.
Internship dates will be arranged flexibly.
Programme Language
The working language of individual activities will be English and, where applicable, German. Perfect language proficiency is not required for participation in an internship abroad. However, participants should be able to communicate at a basic level with instructors and understand organisational and safety instructions.
Participation Costs
Participation costs are covered by the sending institution.