Abstract
Physics is one of the most unpopular subjects at basic schools. The goal of the hobby group “Experiments Around Us” is to involve the pupils in observation and exploration of the world around them using a series of experiments as well as to motivate them to actively pursue a subsequent education in physics.
The hobby group has been active for six years and over these years, a regular schedule has been arranged at two basic schools in Prague. More than 120 children (8 – 12 years) have been participating in the hobby group since the beginning of the activity in the school year of 2002/2003.
During a typical lesson, pupils experiment with simple equipment. The lessons are focused on e.g. properties of matters, magnets, electric charge, light or various kinds of energy.
Children have also prepared a model of the solar system. The paper deals with several experiments with liquids using simple equipment and author's experience in these activities.