In the technical and natural sciences, there is a long-term declining of students. These are fields that are important in the long run for the economic development and growth of countries. That´s why the concept of STEM has been developed - to interconnect naturally related fields such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The reason for linking these STEM fields is to bring the education to real life and replace the theoretical concept of teaching. The main purpose of the STEM concept is to increase the interest of pupils and students in studying STEM subjects, thus preparing the graduates of these fields for the labor market.
In some European countries, the STEM education concept is already established and implemented from primary schools to universities. The STEM concept is constantly evolving and developing: STEM training is being provided, for supporting innovative education of students it´s being used open space community spaces such as Fablabs, Makerspaces etc. A Fablab or Makerspace is a small-scale workplace where can be manufactured products using modern high technologies such as 3D printers, laser cutters etc.
The aim of ARTIFEX project is to establish a practical European framework for STEM education using the latest technologies of open digital workshops (Fablabs) that enable the development of STEM knowledge and skills of pupils and students in an integrated and practical way in an innovative out-of-school learning environment. By doing so, the project will create a training tool for teachers´ professional development in STEM competences that can be used by schools across Europe.
Within the project, partner organizations from Belgium, Italy, the Czech Republic, Greece, Bulgaria and Sweden will create a number of outputs designed primarily for teachers at all levels of education.
Project outputs:
For further information about Artifex project and its activities and outputs, please look at project website http://www.artifexlab.eu/.
There is an online self-assessment tool which is a way to detect your strengths and weaknesses as a teacher, when working on STEM topics in the classroom or other learning environments. When you undergo the assessment, the platform will guide you to suitable workshops, teaching materials related to your competencies. You can access the workshops without prior assessment and then you can choose from the available materials according to a number of criteria. All workshops have a uniform format and were created by educators from all partner countries. Teachers from the Czech Republic have prepared a workshop on the construction of Galton's board, which you will find on three levels of difficulty.
Visit and use the potential of the new learning platform: teachstem.eu
The participants visited the interactive science centre Pevnost poznani in Olomouc, discussed different aspects of STEM education and possibilites of making STEM education more attractive. The second day was hosted by the City Council of Kromeriz and participants provided their feedback to the ouputs of ARTIFEX project.
The atmosphere throughout the conference was full of excitement and enthusiasm in cooperation and sharing experience.
Photos from conference in Kromeriz - by clicking enlarge photo
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The organizers pay for the stay, the participants are responsible for their own travel costs. Travel itinerary or shuttle will be delivered from the airports of Vienna, Prague and Bratislava and the City of Brno.
You can find the entire program and contact addresses on the leaflet in attachment. Registration is possible by sending an email to Kateřina Nevřalová at management@euro-face.cz with a short motivation and contact details. Registration is possible until the conference is fully booked.
Program of conference is here.
A lot of them visited our stand focused on support of STEM education, learners tried to construct a hot air baloon and tested it in Airfab. We discussed with teachers and present a lecture within a vocational programme. Thanks to the Science Academy for this opportunity.
http://www.veletrhvedy.cz/cz/program/jak-na-stem-prakticky-navod-na-vyuku/
Photos from the fair - by clicking enlarge photo
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In the Czech Republic there were held interviews with representatives of the engineering company, the professions of electrician and metalworker were presented. Each interview was used to zoom in on a set of competences required for successful careers in STEM sectors. At the end of the chapter, you will find a summary of the transversal skills mentioned by the interviewees together with some advice for young people preparing for labour market as well as the main challenges for education.
The ARTIFEX e-book is still work in progress, you will find a final version to download on this website http://www.artifexlab.eu/news.php?stranka=.
