Abstract:

The essential role of research in the people's daily life and the need of contact between science and society is especially relevant nowadays. Scientific dissemination such as knowing the researcher daily work, the functioning of the different facilities and the participation in activities that are undertaken on it, is one of the main bases supporting this relationship. Furthermore, it is necessary to transfer this knowledge to different society groups and academic levels or anyone interested in science. In recent years, the importance of dynamic, interactive and practical learning has grown, since it facilitates the assimilation of theoretical concepts.
The Environmental Fluid Dynamics Laboratory of the University of Granada includes three main areas: wave and currents flume, atmosphere-ocean interaction flume, and atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel. These infrastructures are devoted to study and characterize environmental fluid dynamic (water and air), and their environmental interaction. The versatility of these facilities allows adapting information and activities to general public. On the laboratory, students carry out practices of courses regulated by Engineering Schools, end-of-degree projects and Master Thesis. Different activities are also developed for primary-school or high school students. In addition, researchers, institutions and facultative from different sectors often visit the laboratory bringing new research or results.
During programming visits, assistants learn scientific bases about marine, oceanic and atmospheric phenomena. The methodology of teaching is adapted to each group and to the knowledge of each visitor as follow:
(1) Primary and high school students: during the lessons, they learn basic concepts adapted to their age through interactive demonstrations. In some cases, the students are encouraged to use some simple instruments and facilities.
(2) University students: the lessons are devoted to learn basic and advanced concepts about fluids, its dynamic, its environmental interaction and the importance of characterize and study them in detail. Students learn how to use the facilities and instruments, do practical tests, measure data and finally analyze them using python scripts, usually provided by the teachers.
(3) Researchers and PhD students: visiting researchers and PhD students come to the laboratory to carry out different tests related to their research topic. In this context, they also give specific lectures to Degree and Master students, complementing their skills.
(4) General public: dissemination activities are carried out, with general demonstrations and practical information. The public discovers applications to real life, previously unknown fields of study and the importance of environmental fluids in areas such as engineering and environment.
The results points to a better learning and comprehension skills of students through assignments, practices and tests. The teaching adapted to each group awake the curiosity of participants and give them a different point of view to that one given in classroom. These lessons provide a first contact with the labor market and offer a professional alternative for those interested in research and those that did not know about it. After these practical lessons, the number of experimental PhD thesis have increased in our facilities, and research cooperation with other researchers have improved as well.

Keywords:

Knowledge transfer, research laboratory, instrumentation, fluids dynamics.