STEM Integration for Student Empowerment
▶Summary
Our main goal in implementing the STEM-IN project was to make STEM education more engaging, inclusive, and motivating for both teachers and students. We aimed to improve the quality of STEM teachi...
▶Objectives
Our main goal in implementing the STEM-IN project was to make STEM education more engaging, inclusive, and motivating for both teachers and students. We aimed to improve the quality of STEM teaching by empowering teachers with digital tools, innovative methods, and ready-to-use lesson plans that save time and increase confidence in using technology. The project sought to change the perception of STEM from something complex to something creative and accessible. We also wanted to spark students’ curiosity and interest in STEM from an early age through hands-on, inclusive activities. Another key goal was to strengthen cooperation between schools, businesses, and universities, helping schools expand STEM learning beyond the classroom. Ultimately, we aimed to create lasting positive change in how STEM is taught and experienced in diverse learning environments.
▶Activities
The STEM-IN project was implemented over 12 months through close cooperation between Alytus Vidzgiris School (coordinator), Nekser (quality and evaluation lead), and Villafuente (dissemination lead). Activities followed a structured process – from preparation and development to piloting, dissemination, and evaluation. Partners created key management documents and held online meetings to plan and monitor progress. Alytus Vidzgiris School developed 3 interdisciplinary STEM lesson plans, Nekser 3, and Villafuente 6 – a total of 12 lessons integrating digital tools, experiments, and inclusive methods. Lessons were piloted by 16 teachers and 345 students in Lithuania and Spain, improved on received feedback, and compiled into one Interdisciplinary Curriculum. A STEM Implementation and Partnership Guide was also created, based on 22 stakeholder interviews. Three webinars were held to share the results of the project. All outputs are available in three languages at www.nekser.lt/stem-in, and all reports and supporting documents are stored in the shared drive: Google Drive link https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1K9HZUxpbyE5ymu2qQ9M1xQRpuNx1beX0?usp=drive_link.