SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WITH STEM AND DIGITAL PROJECT
▶Summary
Through this project, NMS Felixdorf aimed to help students and teachers understand the concept of ecological sustainability by linking science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with ...
▶Objectives
Through this project, NMS Felixdorf aimed to help students and teachers understand the concept of ecological sustainability by linking science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with real-life environmental issues. The main goals were to raise awareness of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially Sustainable Living Spaces, Renewable Energy and Saving Water, and to integrate these topics into classroom practice. The project also sought to strengthen teachers’ professional skills in digital tools, coding, robotics, 3D design and VR applications, enabling them to deliver more innovative lessons. By cooperating with European partners, NMS Felixdorf wanted to enhance intercultural exchange, foreign-language competence and teamwork, while fostering students’ critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving abilities. Ultimately, the school aimed to promote active, responsible and sustainability-oriented citizenship among young people.
▶Activities
During the project, various activities were implemented to internalise the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among students and promote the exchange of good practices in STEM education. The project encouraged the use of Web 2.0 tools, digital materials, and innovative applications, allowing partners to share different national approaches to sustainability and technology. Activities included 3D modelling and printing workshops, enabling students to design and create tangible solutions for environmental problems. Four transnational mobilities were organised where SDG-related themes were applied through hands-on learning, while online seminars via Zoom enriched the theoretical dimension. Through these activities, schools with common goals but different educational systems had the chance to learn from each other, broadening teachers’ and students’ perspectives. Participants also discovered European cultures, exchanged ideas, and presented their own traditions, strengthening intercultural understanding and cooperation under the UN 2030 SDG targets and the Europe 2020 priorities.
▶Impact
Our students, in particular, enhanced their knowledge about the SDGs and took action to achieve them. They created SDG-related texts and e-books using tools such as Flipsnack and StoryJumper. Public service announcements (videos, posters) about a sustainable environment were produced with Canva. Through Tinkercad 3D designs, SDGs were integrated with digitalization. STEM activities on Sustainable Environment (Sustainable Living Spaces, Renewable Energy, Water Conservation) were implemented for students and teachers. A brochure, poster, and newsletter were prepared. A project website was created to share good practices and activities. Collaboration with schools from different countries improved teamwork and foreign language skills. Awareness on STEM and vocational education was raised. Partner schools established Erasmus+ project corners in visible school areas displaying news, photos, posters, and outputs. Project experiences were shared during Erasmus Days and other school events. The project was also presented at TÜBİTAK 4006-A and 4006-C Science Fairs in Türkiye. A book based on the project content was published, and symposiums were organized in collaboration with universities and NGOs.