On Saturday 29 November, Luka Primary School opened its doors to a STEM adventure to mark its 50th anniversary. From 9:30 to 14:00 the school corridors and classrooms were turned into a space of exploration, creativity and excitement, and we can say only one thing: the children loved it! 😄💡

With the support of the FabLab association, which runs the “STEMerica moves on” project, pupils had the chance to take part in a series of interactive workshops that introduced them to the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in an enjoyable way. One of the liveliest stations on the STEM DAY was the creative making zone, where pupils played, learned and explored through hands-on activities. 

Pupils also discovered how a 3D printer works, from what filaments are all the way to the process by which different shapes and models are created out of a thin thread of plastic. Because time was limited it was not possible to print larger objects, but smaller aeroplane models were printed, which the children found particularly exciting. Once they were made, pupils adjusted the aeroplanes’ wings themselves and gained their first hands-on experience of the basics of aerodynamics - how shape, angle and balance affect flight. The children delightedly stacked large foam blocks, creating imaginative structures, towers and inventions of their own. They also tried their hand at putting together a cardboard armchair, learning along the way about stability, balance and the importance of spatial thinking. Alongside the play, we also touched on the subject of sustainability:

• we presented 3D printed toys made on a 3D printer,
• we explained why recycling matters,
• we talked about biomaterials and their role in protecting the environment.

Pupils had the chance to see how technology and ecology can go hand in hand, and how smart choices of materials can contribute to a better and cleaner world. 🌱

To finish, the atmosphere came alive even more when pupils played a guitar made out of recycled materials, bringing creativity, music and sustainability together in one enjoyable activity. 🎸

Below we share some of the feedback on the event from the pupils themselves:

“What I liked most at the STEM day were the 3D printed toys, they are really cute and fun to play with, especially the puzzle where you have to put together a pyramid.”

“They even made a guitar with a single string attached to a tin can that resonates, I played it and I found it interesting.”

“I liked the 3D printer most because the objects it made were great, e.g. frogs, octopuses, spiders and so on. It was interesting and it was what interested me most.”

“I liked the 3D printer most because it can turn a digital image into real shapes and objects. I really like this STEM event and I would gladly come again.”

About the “STEMerica moves on” project

The FabLab project “STEMerica moves on” is being implemented under the call Strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations to promote STEM, co-financed by the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus and supported by the Office for Cooperation with NGOs of the Government of the Republic of Croatia. This project provides free workshops, educational materials and expert guidance, giving pupils the chance to learn creatively in STEM fields.