Kids build their knowledge and skills about the world through STEAM

<< Background >>1. Implementing the STEAM Approach in KindergartenThe STEAM approach is successfully used in educational systems, mainly in school education, but it is underestimated in preschool education. Through this project, we aimed to develop a comprehensive model for integrating the STEAM approach into kindergarten by using constructive materials.2. Improving Teacher QualificationsAs part of the project, several training courses for teachers were planned to enhance their professional qualifications in understanding and applying the STEAM approach in kindergarten.3. Promoting Collaboration Between Different Educational OrganizationsThe project aimed to strengthen the capacity of each partner in the field of European cooperation in preschool education through the Erasmus+ program, by creating a foundation for exchanging knowledge and best practices. This allowed for the adaptation of successful pedagogical practices from various countries for working with kindergarten children.4. Increasing Digital LiteracyThrough the active use of digital tools in the project activities, the goal was to improve the digital literacy of the participants.<< Objectives >>1. Integrating the STEAM Approach in Early Childhood Education: One key objective was to develop and implement a model for integrating the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) approach into kindergarten education. The goal was to create hands-on, constructive activities that fostered children's curiosity and critical thinking skills from an early age.2. Enhancing Teacher Skills: Another objective was to improve the qualifications of teachers by providing them with the necessary training and tools to successfully integrate STEAM into their teaching practices. The aim was to equip educators with innovative methodologies that support the development of young learners.3. Promoting International Collaboration: The project sought to strengthen collaboration between different educational institutions across Europe, encouraging the exchange of best practices in early childhood education. This collaboration aimed to enrich the educational experience by incorporating diverse approaches and solutions from various countries.4, Increasing Digital Literacy: A further goal was to improve the digital literacy of both teachers and students by integrating digital tools into the learning process. << Implementation >>- Development of STEAM methodology: The learning units were designed to be used in kindergartens, using constructive activities to engage children in hands-on learning experiences.- Teacher Training Sessions: Several training sessions were organized to improve the skills of kindergarten teachers in applying the STEAM methodology. - Workshops: The project included workshops at local and international level, both online and in-person, to promote knowledge sharing between partner organizations and participants. These events provided opportunities to discuss the progress of the project and exchange best practices in early childhood education.- Development of Digital Resources: Digital tools and resources were developed to support the STEAM activities in kindergartens. This included web portal with accessible materials in multiple languages to ensure the broad usability of the resource, and isntructional videos. - Pilot Testing of the STEAM Methodology: The newly developed STEAM learning units were tested in partner kindergartens to assess their effectiveness.- Dissemination of Results: The project involved disseminating the results through online platforms, social media and eTwining events. << Results >>1. Developed and tested methodology for using the STEAM approach in preschool education through constructive activities – 50 learning units were developed, divided into 10 groups by thematic areas (Planning and Constructing, Symmetry and Composition, Ecology and Entrepreneurship, Light and Shadows, Probabilities, Weight and Balance, Mechanisms, Acceleration and Distance, Control and Management, Coding). They include materials for teachers: instructional cards; materials for children: object construction cards, activity cards, and block description sheets. The educational set is accompanied by a methodology for its use, which includes: the connection between science, engineering, and technology; a pedagogical framework for implementing the developed materials; learning objectives; cross-curricular connections; descriptions of the educational set; strategies for assessing student achievements; a list of resources; and safety tips for working with children.2. Created and published web portal with free access, where all developed learning units are available in 8 languages – https://www.legoduplosteam.eu/.3. Developed and tested structured teacher training course under Erasmus+ KA1, with all necessary training materials.