Introduction of a GREEN FAB LAB educational concept in secondary schools
▶Summary
With this project we wanted to create conditions for advancing STEM education in the covered schools, by implementing innovative teaching methodologies (Problem Based Learning i.e. PBL & Design Th...
▶Objectives
With this project we wanted to create conditions for advancing STEM education in the covered schools, by implementing innovative teaching methodologies (Problem Based Learning i.e. PBL & Design Thinking) in solving existing environmental issues, building the capacities of teachers to use these approaches in their subjects and establishing three Green Fab Labs in the covered schools. At the same time, the project aimed at stimulating youth contribution & participation in resolving existing community issues. Specific objectives included: SO1: Establishing and equipping of 3 schools’ fabrication labs (Green Fab Labs), one in each of the covered schools/countries. SO2: Raising capacities of teachers to implement innovative teaching methodologies and new technology in development of STEM skills in students. SO3: Raising awareness on environmental issues and boosting youth participation in solving community environmental problems. SO4: Incite cross-sectoral cooperation and participation of the business sector / start-ups in developing entrepreneurial skills and mindset among youth. The project put specific focus on environmental challenges and green solutions to these existing local community problems.
▶Activities
The activities were implemented in 4 work packages (WPs). Besides Project Management package (WP1), the project consisted of 3 more WPs, namely: WP2 - Project Intellectual Outputs: This WP incorporated activities for development of 3 intellectual outputs (IOs): - IO 1. “Implementation of Design Thinking methodology and Problem Based Learning Approach in development of STEM skills in students” – teacher’s manual. - IO 2. “Best practices of using of Fab Lab’s new technology and equipment in STEM subjects.” – teachers’ guidebook. - IO3. Document “Recommendations for increasing involvement of students and other stakeholders in identification and solving of environmental and climate change problems in their communities”. WP3 - Training & Teaching/Learning Activities included: - Two Joint Capacity Building events for teachers, - One Long-term Teaching/Learning assignments (simultaneously implemented in all three partner schools), and - One Blended mobility event. WP4 - Communication & Dissemination Activities included: - Development and implementation of Project Communication Plan - 3 National dissemination events for promoting project results - Development of branded project’s promotional material & social media posts
▶Impact
Project’s main outputs & results: - 3 IOs developed (teachers manuals and recommendations document). - 15 Secondary school teachers (3 schools) participated in the training for new teaching methodologies - Design Thinking and Problem Based Learning (PBL) and their application in teaching STEM subjects. - 16 Secondary schools teachers participated in the training for using the Fab Lab model (its technology and equipment) in their STEM subjects. - 18 lesson plans developed for using the new methodology and technology in STEM subjects - 16 teachers trained for using the eTwinning platform - 45?? Students participated in the Long-term teaching/learning activity i.e. students' teams. - 12 students participated in the Blended Mobility Event & transnational students' teams (best students teams from each country) - 3 school Fab Labs established and equipped. - 1 Project Communication plan developed and implemented - 3 National dissemination events for promoting project outputs & results organized - Facebook page created & and numerous media posts shared on internet (on partners’ profiles, websites and project FB page)