The 1st SLEs Portfolio of Best Practices

www.steamecologies.eu Snapshots of change: real-life stories from the ground SLEs PORTFOLIO Funded by the European Union’s Horizon programme under grant agreement No 101094648. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. OSTOGETHER OSTOGETHER www.steamecologies.eu OSTOGETHER OSTOGETHER INTERTWINED - MOSAIC OF THE COMMUNITY BRAIN BRAIN SCIENCE ART COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT THE INITIATOR • Ballybane Community Library Galway, Ireland Get in touch: [email protected] IN A NUTSHELL In Ireland, the SLE sought to connect 15-year-old students (transition year) with the local library and its maker space. Community stakeholders utilised STEAM as a neutral ground for collaboration, with a specific focus on brain science. This culminated in a final artwork showcased during Brain Awareness Week. The full story: • Brain science mosaic unveiled in Galway library • Human Brain and Mosaics: the SLE pilot in Ireland THE SLE THE CHALLENGE • Teenagers’ lack of engagement with the local library and its maker space THE COMMUNITY • SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices (CURAM) • Galway Community College students • Ballybane Community Library • Local artist THE BENEFITS • Re-engagement with the library and its maker • Increased knowledge of brain science and its diagnostic tools • Knowledge and hands-on experience of microscopy • Utlilising philosophical tools to solve problems THE LEARNING PRODUCT The brain-themed artwork blends 30 mini mosaics from students and library staff, symbolising the unity of cell nuclei in the brain, echoing the project’s focus on community connection. Suggested familiarity with the Open Schooling approach: Beginner Experienced Funded by the European Union’s Horizon programme under grant agreement No 101094648. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. www.steamecologies.eu OSTOGETHER OSTOGETHER STUDENT SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS FOR REAL CLIENTS SOFTWARE ENGINEERING TEAM WORK FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE THE INITIATOR • Norwegian University of Science and Technology Trondheim, Norway Get in touch: [email protected] IN A NUTSHELL Bridging the gap between theory and practice, this Norvegian SLE invited university students aged 21 to 24 years old to create realistic software prototypes ‘on contract’ for a real-world customer. The initiative raised participants’ software engineering skills, teaching the whole software development lifecycle (project management and planning, pre-study, requirements gathering, design, programming, testing, evaluation, and documentation). The full story: • Interview with course teacher • Article on the Customer Driven Learning Ecology THE SLE THE CHALLENGE • Increased need for industry-compatible competences and relevant practical skills • Support for university students transitioning from academic settings to the professional world THE COMMUNITY • Professors and Teacher Assistants from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering • Industries in the private sector (Information Technology, Engineering, Virtual Reality, AI) • Municipality of Trondheim THE BENEFITS • Bridging the gap between university and industry in software development • Practical experience in executing all phases of large development projects and present results to a real customer • Insight into project work and how groups can be used to solve complex software engineering problems. THE LEARNING PRODUCT • Delivery of the Minimum Viable Product - a software product with enough features to attract early-adopter customers • Production of a report explaining the whole development process • Students’ presentation on the project Suggested familiarity with the Open Schooling approach: Beginner Experienced Funded by the European Union’s Horizon programme under grant agreement No 101094648. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. www.steamecologies.eu OSTOGETHER OSTOGETHER IMAGINING THE WORLD IN 2030 AI TOOLS TEAM WORK SDGs THE INITIATOR • Domus - Museos Científicos Coruñeses A Coruña, Spain Get in touch: [email protected] IN A NUTSHELL In Spain, this SLE engaged 15 and 16-year-old students to create an audiovisual piece with the help of AI tools. The topic was: ‘How do you imagine the world in 2030?’, and it had a connection with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Learning to integrate AI is a societal challenge and an educational need. As of 2024, this subject is already taught in Galicia. The full story: • Interview with the STEM advisor of CIEDix THE SLE THE CHALLENGE • Need for young people to know how to use AI tools • Raising awarenes on the ethical and environmental opportunities and threats arising from the use of AI THE COMMUNITY • Domus Science Centre • CIEDix: educational innovation centre • Mundos digitales: festival on animation, video games and digital media • University of A Coruña • Science Club David Buján School and Xentd100cia: science youth association THE BENEFITS • Identify the ethical and political implications of the design and use of AI systems • Know how to use and understand the fundamentals of the digital tools utilised in the creation of AI solutions • Communicate clearly and effectively the results of the activities • Identify the areas of AI in different fields of application in society: art, music and culture. THE LEARNING PRODUCT Audiovisual piece about how students imagine the world in 2030 - connected to an SDG. The audiovisual piece was made with the help of AI tools and has a maximum duration of 3 min. Suggested familiarity with the Open Schooling approach: Beginner Experienced Funded by the European Union’s Horizon programme under grant agreement No 101094648. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. www.steamecologies.eu OSTOGETHER OSTOGETHER THE BUTTERFLY PROJECT BIODIVERSITY DIGITAL TOOLS AWARENESS RAISING THE INITIATOR • Cyprus Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, Unit for Education for the Environnent and Sustainable Development Nicosia, Cyprus Get in touch: perivallon[email protected] IN A NUTSHELL In Cyprus, this SLE invited 16-year-old students to conduct butterfly research using the eBMS app and monitor local butterfly populations and ecosystem flora. The aim is to raise awareness about natural conservation and protect biodiversity. Collaborating with the Pera Chorio Nisou municipality, pupils established a butterfly park, selecting host plants and planning educational exhibitions. The full story: • Interview with Lead Teacher • Co-creation workshop on pedagogical design THE SLE THE CHALLENGE • Students are not aware of their local ecosystems and how endangered they might be THE COMMUNITY • Students and teachers from Idalion High School • Researchers from University of Cyprus and Open University of Cyprus • Municipalities of Pera Chorio Nisou and Dali • Local Museum THE BENEFITS • Focus on local ecosystem for research purposes • Study the flora, the butterfly life cycle, and the causes of decreased butterfly biodiversity • Find ways to increase the floral and butterfly biodiversity THE LEARNING PRODUCT The involved students created a data repository recording the identified butterfly species and all relevant information (butterfly species, population size, trends, etc). With this, the students supported a local butterfly park, disseminating knowledge about butterflies and increasing their biodiversity Suggested familiarity with the Open Schooling approach: Beginner Experienced Funded by the European Union’s Horizon programme under grant agreement No 101094648. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. www.steamecologies.eu OSTOGETHER OSTOGETHER CIRCULAR BIOECONOMY ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP EMPOWERMENT THE INITIATOR • Agency for the Promotion of European Research Rome, Italy Get in touch: [email protected] IN A NUTSHELL In Italy, this SLE developed knowledge, critical, and creative thinking on circular bioeconomy and environmental sustainability. It fostered active citizenship, agency, entrepreneurship, teamwork, self-esteem, and resilience for 11-year-old pupils. Students in Rome engaged in interactive seminars, classroom lessons, fieldtrips, workshops, and dissemination activities facilitated by different external experts and researchers. The full story: • Activities with ISPRA • Interview with Researcher from ENEA THE SLE THE CHALLENGE • The need to educate and empower students on green sustainability topics through engaging formats • The need of new practical models for more sustainable schools and communities THE COMMUNITY • I.C. Guicciardini • Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research • Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development • National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work • FAO • University UnitelmaSapienza THE BENEFITS • Awareness on circular economy and sustainability • Soft skills like creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving (for pupuls and teachers) • Experiences on managing an ecological beach and circular economy • Inspiration for future career jobs such as researchers, fishery, bio-based fields, etc. THE LEARNING PRODUCT • A book crossing house realized with recycled material • Junk-journals made with scraps and material recovered during the on-field experience in the Natural Reserve of Torre Flavia • Digital annual sustainability calendar • A final video featuring the activities Suggested familiarity with the Open Schooling approach: Beginner Experienced Funded by the European Union’s Horizon programme under grant agreement No 101094648. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. GREEN CITIZENSHIP IN ACTION www.steamecologies.eu OSTOGETHER OSTOGETHER SDGs OBSERVATION NATURAL PHENOMENA THE INITIATOR • Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve Faro, Portugal Get in touch: inf[email protected] IN A NUTSHELL In Portugal, this SLE engaged students aged 9 to 10 years old into STEAM activities on environment and sustainability aspects for a whole week. At the end of the week, pupils presented proposals for action aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). THE SLE THE CHALLENGE • Need to increase students’ awareness on UN Sustainable Development Goals THE COMMUNITY • Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve • University of Algarve • Research Centers and Instititions of Faro • Education services of the municipality of Faro • Faro city Schools • Ciência Viva National Network THE BENEFITS • Educational experiences diverging from the typical classroom setting • Encourage exploration through scientific fieldwork, fostering the capacity to observe natural phenomena directly THE LEARNING PRODUCT • Pupils learn very innovative subjects like the local geological history, the biology of the local ‘Ria’ (ocean lagoon surrounding Faro), the movement of the Sun, robotics construction and programming, climate change and SDGs subjects • Production of clay volcanoes, robots and related programs, solar clocks, painted bags featuring leaf impressions, observational drawings, and tables documenting environmental parameters Suggested familiarity with the Open Schooling approach: Beginner Experienced ECOSYSTEM SERVICES FROM LAND TO SEA Funded by the European Union’s Horizon programme under grant agreement No 101094648. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. www.steamecologies.eu OSTOGETHER OSTOGETHER ENVIRONMENT INQUIRY-BASED APPROACHES ART & SCIENCE THE INITIATOR • Mircea ceL Batran National College Ramnicu Valcea, Romania Get in touch: [email protected] IN A NUTSHELL With this Romanian SLE, 6 and 7-year-old students discovered nature and the natural habitats of the Buila Vanturarita National Park. They explored its flora and fauna through sensory and inquiring-based approaches, supported by the national experts and the insightful materials provided by the Park authorities. The SLE gave students the chance to choose among specific natural elements (birds, animals, plants), and undertake various activities like sensory labs, artistic and coding workshops, and bird feeder engineering. THE SLE THE CHALLENGE • Students shoud reconnect with nature (especially local nature) more THE COMMUNITY • Students and parents of the school in Ramnicu Valcea • Local environmental scientists, ecologists, naturalists, and yoga instructor • Local tourist information center, county library, National Park representatives, regional theatre, and County School Inspectorate THE BENEFITS • Increased knowledge of biology, earth science, mathematics, and engineering • Improved skills in language and arts through theatre, storytelling, drawing, and crafting • Acquisition of observational skills, mindfulness in nature, and basic robotics concepts • Learning how combine arts and science for storytelling and communication THE LEARNING PRODUCT Pupils produced diverse learning products like posters on natural ecosystems, the book of season, comics, bird model, graphs on seasons’ colors, tabs counting leaves, robot designs and bird houses designs, photography books, water cycle model and habitats model, investigation sheet and graphs, personalised messages about nature on wood, model of a green world, model of a grey world. Suggested familiarity with the Open Schooling approach: Beginner Experienced STEAMING UP WITH NATURE’S WONDERS Funded by the European Union’s Horizon programme under grant agreement No 101094648. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. www.steamecologies.eu OSTOGETHER OSTOGETHER ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS MULTICULTURALISM BIODIVERSITY THE INITIATOR • Poprad Primary School Poprad, Slovakia Get in touch: sk[email protected] IN A NUTSHELL This Slovakian SLE merged multiculturalism, environmental awareness, and digital competencies, involving two schools (from Slovakia and Poland) into a week-long workshop in the Natural Park of the High Tatras mountains. Pupils aged 13 years old learnt about and worked for the conservation of endangered species in this special ecosystem. Students became actors for change by producing an e-book on endangered plants, as well as posters and dissemination materials to be shared with the future visitors of the Park. The full story: • Interview with the school teacher THE SLE THE CHALLENGE • Lack of students’ engagement with the conservation of the local ecosystem THE COMMUNITY • Students and teachers of a Slovakian and Polish school • Experts and representatives of High Tatras Botanical Garden THE BENEFITS • Increased understanding of biodiversity, the impact of environmental factors on plant species, and conservation strategies • Application of research skills to gather and analyse data on endangered plant species • Proficiency in photography, videography, and digital media creation • Understanding the role of media in conveying scientific information • Advocacy skills and understanding the role of individuals in environmental stewardship • Understanding the role of art in conveying ecological and scientifical messages • Effective communication and collaboration skills for conducting awareness campaigns. THE LEARNING PRODUCT • A detailed botanical e-book featuring descriptions, illustrations and identification keys for endangered plant species. Suggested familiarity with the Open Schooling approach: Beginner Experienced AI IN ECOLOGY - ECOLOGY IN AI Funded by the European Union’s Horizon programme under grant agreement No 101094648. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.