Hosted by OSOS , contributed by Tsiouri on 15 March 2018
The aim of “STEMpowering Youth” is to support project‐based learning and interactive hands‐on activities that connect science
and technology with everyday life. Taking this into account we have developed the following:
Model 1 (implemented)
Extracurricular program which is comprised of 9 weekly courses. The subjects are STEM oriented and the methodology is
project‐based, inquiry and cooperative. The courses include “Astronomy”, “Arduino Basics”, “Engineering Projects”,
“Trilateration and the GPS”, “Water ‐ the main component of our planet” and “Earthquakes and seismographs”. Each class lasts
for 3 hours and contains a theoretical background (digital educational scenarios) with relevant accompanying practical
activities.
Model 2 (in progress)
Educational portable kits to enrich the Physics and Informatics school classes with carefully selected hands‐on activities that
align with the School Curriculum. Both the Physics and the Informatics kit contain Lab and Arduino equipment respectively,
while both include additional guides for the educator.
More information: https://goo.gl/HWpzgG
Learning objectives
The activities of our program focus on linking STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) with everyday life problems. The courses are designed within the frame of inquiry and cooperative teaching to help students develop essential skills like communication, problem‐solving, creativity and critical thinking. Students also learn to collaborate in teams and deal with real‐world problems by using the inquiry method and technological interactive tools. Furthermore, the students are being guided to take entrepreneurial steps in their scientific endeavors by creating projects and solve real world problems.
Available partnership opportunities
Here are some partnership opportunities you should consider in your development:
| Astronomers | The Educator can arrange Sky Observation Nights in collaboration with local Astronomers. The Astronomer could give a mini lecture and bring his/her own telescope. Students can also use the telescopes that they have made in astronomy class and observe the moon. |
| Science and Informatics Teachers |
Teachers outside the program can participate voluntarily as assistants. |
| Community | Students conduct research to solve problems from their local community that may include interviews, dissemination of the results etc |
| Conferences and other Science and Technology Events |
Students can show their projects to the public and explain their concepts and key ideas. |
Recommended resources
- Train a Science or Informatics teacher mainly on using digital educational scenarios, Arduino Basics (programming in Ardublock or S4A) and the general principles of STEM education
- Perform a three‐hour weekly course for nine weeks following the program’s guide
- Make an online group/forum in order for the educators to cooperate easily with each other and upload relevant ideas and content
- Equipment for every group of students: Arduino starter kit, Galileo telescope’s kit, springs to explain the earthquake’s waves and other expendables necessary for the hands‐on activities.
- Have a classroom with computers and internet connection.
“STEMpowering Youth” is an extracurricular educational STEM program that is implemented in Greek Rural Areas. The aim of the program is to support project‐based learning with interactive hands‐on activities that connect science and technology with everyday life. Students learn to collaborate and
deal with real‐world problems by using the inquiry method and technological interactive tools.
“STEMpowering Youth” was designed by the educational Organization SciCo (Science
Communication) with the academic advice of Ellinogermaniki Agogi and the support of Vodafone
Foundation. The program has started in February 2017 and has been implemented at 15 cities in
Thrace and Dodecanese so far.
Youtube playlist with promotional videos about the program STEMpowering Youth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpycBpOZLO4&list=PLiKJNI_kg‐CdSsAFOYEkfQi3ETvQedwQz
Articles about STEMpowering Youth
http://scico.gr/activities/stempowering‐youth/
http://www.vodafone.gr/portal/stem
Organisation in charge of this Accelerator
This Accelerator has been developed by SciCo .
Marilena Andrikopoulou, info@scico.gr
SciCo, Epistimi Epikoinonia
Leof. Kifisias 210 , Chalandri , TK 15231
Website: http://scico.gr/