Activities of the STEMerica moves on project
The project“STEMerica moves on” is a continuation of a successful initiative to popularise STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) among children, young people and the wider public.The project is led byFabLab – Association for the Promotion of Digital Fabrication, and it is carried out with the support of theNational Foundation for Civil Society Development and theGovernment of the Republic of Croatia Office for Cooperation with NGOs.
The aim of the project is to strengthen the capacities of civil society organisations (CSOs) and their partners to deliver educational programmes and events in the field of STEM. Particular emphasis is placed on cooperation with higher education institutions and primary schools, in order to strengthen teachers’ competences, develop new educational tools and spark curiosity in pupils.
A1 – Attending training courses aimed at strengthening capacities for delivering STEM activities with children and pupils
As part of this activity, members of FabLab and the partner organisations attend professional training courses and workshops in order to strengthen their own capacities for planning, organising and delivering STEM programmes.
The training covers topics such as contemporary methods of working with children and young people, integrating science and technology into teaching, and using innovative approaches to learning by doing.
Result: staff and volunteers trained to deliver high-quality STEM activities.
A2 – Study visits (national and international) to organisations working on innovative ways of presenting STEM and bringing it closer to children and pupils
Project participants go on study visits in Croatia and abroad to become familiar with innovative practices and models of STEM popularisation.
During the visits, examples of good practice are collected, experiences are exchanged and new partnerships are formed with educational and research institutions.
Implementation: visits to science centres, museums, STEM laboratories and international science festivals.
Result: new knowledge and contacts gained for developing future programmes.
A3 – Attending fairs and conferences (national and international) on new methods of teaching and presenting STEM to children and pupils
Taking part in international and national STEM conferences, fairs and workshops enables the exchange of experience and innovation in the field of science education and popularisation.
Implementation: members of the project team present examples of good practice, follow new solutions and take part in panels devoted to digital education and sustainable development.
Result: stronger professional competences and the application of contemporary methods in work with children.
A4 – Organisation and delivery of training by the partner higher education institution for staff and volunteers of the applicant and/or partners
The partner Faculty of Architecture, University of Zagreb organises professional training for CSO members, teachers and volunteers.
The training focuses on:
A5 – Mentoring for the delivery of project activities with children and pupils
Mentors from the partner higher education institution provide professional support to CSO members and schools in delivering workshops, events and project activities.
Implementation: through joint work and supervision, faculty experts pass on their knowledge and experience and monitor the quality of delivery in schools.
Result: improved quality of STEM activities and a lasting link between the academic and educational sectors.
A6 – Promoting STEM through events and popular science happenings
The project organises public events and popular science happenings in order to bring STEM closer to the wider public.
This includes taking part in Makers Expo (formerly Maker Faire) Zagreb, the Science Festival, the Science Picnic and other similar events.
Implementation: pupils, teachers and citizens take part in hands-on workshops, demonstrations, experiments and presentations.
Result: greater public interest in STEM and wider availability of educational content.
A7 – Promoting STEM in public places
This activity involves public actions and promotional activities – from setting up interactive corners in public spaces to outdoor presentations and workshops.
Implementation: through mobile laboratories, street presentations and cooperation with local communities, STEM content becomes available to all citizens.
Result: greater visibility of STEM and stronger involvement of citizens.
Communication and visibility
This activity covers all elements of promoting and advertising the project and informing the public about it:
- regular posts on the website and on social media,
- printed and digital promotional materials,
- video content and newsletters about the activities carried out,
- outdoor advertising (posters, citylights, billboards).
- Aim: to ensure the visibility of the project and transparency at every stage of its implementation.
Expected project results
- 7 people trained through training courses and study visits
- 5 partnerships established with educational institutions
- 243 workshops delivered in schools over 36 months
- 40 public events and happenings per year
- 1,800 children and pupils involved in the activities
- increased CSO capacity and competences for delivering STEM programmes
The STEMerica moves on project is carried out under the call “Strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations to popularise STEM”, financed by the European Social Fund Plus (85%) and the State Budget of the Republic of Croatia (15%), with a total value of EUR 299,990.53.
