The Challenge Addressed
The project is designed for 8-year-old children. It teaches STEM skills, financial education and awareness of renewable energy and the technologies required for it through Lego play, without any instruction but by stimulating children to respond creatively and technologically to projects to be carried out.
Why the Practice is Innovative
The activity is integrated with dialogue and role-modelling games and short lectures, always based on dialogue, aimed at adding elements to the game, while also providing food for thought and knowledge.
An educational model based on the studies of John Dewey and the need to stimulate children's talents. Everything with the inclusion and equal opportunities concepts.
Type of Integration and Key Competences
The practice integrates:
- STEM skills
- Financial education
- Awareness of renewable energy
- Knowledge of renewable energy technologies
- Creativity
- Technological skills
- Inclusion and equal opportunities
Role of the Teacher/Trainer
The children are divided in groups and elaborate the project with tutor's guide and dialogue with him (Or them in the coral moments).
The tutor supports the children through guidance and dialogue, rather than direct instruction, allowing them to develop their own responses to the projects.
Type of Learning Activities
The learning activities are based on:
- LEGO play
- Creative and technological project work
- Dialogue
- Role-modelling games
- Short lectures
- Group work
- Tutor-guided project development
The activities are designed to add elements to the game while providing food for thought and knowledge.
Impact of the Practice
The practice aims to stimulate children's talents while developing STEM, financial and renewable-energy awareness through an engaging and creative learning environment.
The emphasis on inclusion and equal opportunities supports the participation of all children.
Potential for Replication
The practice can be replicated in other educational settings for young learners by combining LEGO-based activities, project work, dialogue and tutor guidance. Its focus on STEM, financial education, renewable energy, creativity, inclusion and equal opportunities makes it adaptable to different learning contexts.
Innovator: Matteo De Laurentis , Vanessa T. Rivera - STEM WOMEN Congress Italy