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🏭STEAM Week

A community organised event format to launch your next crazy DIY innovation by Zagreb.

What is this tool about ?

STEM Week is a training program designed for educators, emphasizing hands-on learning activities. It emphasizes methodology over expensive equipment, making it replicable in school settings without significant costs.

Activities during STEM Week focus on innovative learning methods, combining inspirational presentations with practical, hands-on sessions. The goal is to introduce new approaches to learning that integrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) disciplines.

Fablab has collaborated extensively with educational institutions at all levels—kindergartens, schools, and universities—to build a network of facilitators interested in exploring these new learning paradigms. Currently, this network spans over 100 schools and involves more than 800 facilitators. However, starting with just one or two schools and a handful of teachers is sufficient to begin building this network.

In addition to local educators, international facilitators are invited to present activities that introduce novel concepts to our educational system. These activities span diverse fields from biology and chemistry to physics and technology, often integrating artistic elements wherever possible.

Coordination of STEM Week is led by Fablab, which aims to elevate education to the next level. The workshops led by Fablab facilitators focus on new STEAM-related methodologies and prototyping, while university facilitators contribute expertise in participation and design thinking methodologies.

Step-by-steps guidelines for application

Find here a list of suggested steps shared by the Zagreb Team for you to follow if you want to replicate this tool in your FCH. By leveraging these tools and focusing on local outcomes, you can effectively integrate STEAM methodologies to drive innovation, empower vocational training, and foster sustainable development within your FCH community.

Identify Local Stakeholders

Map out key stakeholders in Zagreb interested in STEAM education and innovation, including schools, universities, local businesses, and community organizations.

Curriculum Development

Collaborate with educators to develop STEAM-focused curriculum modules that align with local educational standards and community needs.

Facilitate Hands-On Workshops

Organize practical workshops during STEM Week that allow participants to explore STEAM concepts through hands-on activities and projects.

Engage International Facilitators

Invite international experts to your Fab City Hub to conduct workshops and share innovative STEAM practices from global perspectives.

Build a Network of Facilitators

Establish a network of facilitators within your Fab City Hub network who are trained in STEAM methodologies and can continue to support educational initiatives beyond STEM Week.

Community Outreach and Engagement

Develop communication strategies, including posters, social media campaigns, and community events, to promote STEM Week and encourage participation from diverse audiences.

Evaluation and Feedback

Implement mechanisms for evaluating the impact of STEM Week activities on participants and the community. Gather feedback to continuously improve and refine the program for future iterations.

Why this tool could be relevant (also) for your FCH ?

Enhancing Social Innovation

STEM Week plays a pivotal role in enhancing social innovation within a Fab City Hub. By integrating STEAM methodologies, your Fab City Hub can:

Encourage Creative Problem-Solving fostering creativity and interdisciplinary thinking. This approach equips participants with the skills to tackle complex societal challenges through innovative solutions. For instance, projects that blend technology with artistic expression can inspire novel approaches to environmental sustainability or community well-being.

Foster Collaboration Across Disciplines: The interdisciplinary nature of STEAM fosters collaboration among professionals from diverse backgrounds. Engineers, artists, scientists, and social workers can collaborate on projects that address local challenges, promoting holistic solutions that benefit the community at large.

Promote Sustainable Development: Through hands-on activities during STEM Week, participants can explore sustainable practices in fields such as renewable energy, urban planning, and waste management. This experiential learning not only educates but also inspires individuals to contribute to sustainable development goals within their local context.

Strengthening Vocational Training

In the context of vocational training, STEM Week empowers participants by:

Developing Practical Skills: Hands-on workshops and projects offered during STEM Week equip vocational students with practical skills relevant to modern industries. For example, learning coding and robotics not only enhances technical proficiency but also prepares students for careers in fields like automation and digital manufacturing.

Connecting Education with Industry Needs: By involving local businesses and industries in STEM Week activities, vocational training becomes more aligned with current market demands. This alignment ensures that students graduate with skills that are directly applicable to the workforce, enhancing their employability and career prospects.

Cultivating Entrepreneurial Mindsets: STEAM activities often encourage entrepreneurial thinking and innovation. By engaging in prototyping and design challenges, vocational students learn to identify opportunities, develop solutions, and present their ideas effectively—essential skills for launching successful ventures or contributing to entrepreneurial initiatives within their community.

By leveraging STEAM methodologies through initiatives like STEM Week, Fab City Hubs can not only drive social innovation but also empower vocational training programs to prepare skilled and adaptable professionals for the future workforce. This dual focus on creativity, collaboration, and practical skill development ensures that Fab City Hub becomes places for positive change and sustainable growth within its community.

Local Outcomes 👍

→ Enhanced Collaboration and Innovation: By integrating STEAM methodologies, the Zagreb Fab City Hub have fostered collaboration among local professionals and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, such as artists, scientists, and educators.

→ Skill Development and Vocational Training: STEM Week had empower vocational students in Zagreb by providing hands-on workshops and projects that develop practical skills relevant to modern industries.

→ Community Engagement and Awareness: Through engaging activities during STEM Week, the Fab City Hub raised awareness and educated the local community about STEAM disciplines and their applications.

→ Promotion of Sustainable Practices: STEM Week activities can explore sustainable practices in Zagreb, such as renewable energy, waste management, and urban planning. By incorporating these topics into educational workshops and projects, the Hub can promote sustainable development goals within the community

Summary Table

Characteristics

Difficulty

Medium

Duration

1 week

Facilitator I Participants

15 I dependo on invitation and particpation

Setting

off line and eventually on line with recording and communication purposes

Contact

-

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