Time for Coding - it is all around us now.

<< Background >>Scientific and technological progress in the modern world is very important. There is a noticeable crisis in technical professions related to science, i.e. physics, mathematics, engineering. There is also a noticeable decline in children's interest in scientific disciplines. Today's schools rarely provide opportunities for practical learning in these fields. Pupils do not often visit museums, astronomical observatories. They rarely participate in technical, astronomical, scientific workshops and meetings with technical professionals. By learning about the STEAM method, we planned to improve teachers' skills in this area. We wanted pupils to develop through experiencing and learning about the world in practice and to develop independence, responsibility and teamwork.It was important for us to exchange experiences and draw inspiration from teachers in other countries. We decided to use astronomy as a subject of great interest to the children. We planned to permanently change the way science was taught and presented in class. We wanted to introduce science workshops, clubs, etc. into the school's educational offer, which would inspire people to be future scientists, researchers and engineers. << Objectives >>The main focus of the project was to learn about STEAM, coding and astronomy. The main objective was to improve students' and teachers' skills in the STEAM method.The specific objectives were:to stimulate an exploratory attitude in children, to inspire a generation of future scientists, researchers, engineers, to introduce them to the world of science, technology,to increase interest in science and technology by experimenting and exploring the fascinating world of science, engineering technology, mathematics in the topic of astronomy and space, to encourage pupils aged 4-11 to take an interest in science,to develop international teacher cooperation by offering free information and resources,exchanging experiences, sharing knowledge with teachers from partner schools and other schools interested in modern education, improving knowledge and skills in innovative teaching methods, enriching the educational offer of schools with STEAM and coding activities and updating school curricula with STEAM content,promoting the STEAM concept in the school, local and regional environment.<< Implementation >>The project activities involved students and teachers. Three mobilities were organised, each for 5 teachers from each partner school. The themes of the mobilities were: SKY ATLAS, SPACE CAMP and SCIENCE AND ASTRONOMY.The following activities were implemented in the schools:workshops and activities for children combining astronomy topics with mathematics, engineering, technology, science and art,STEAM training for teachers,workshops for parents,extra-curricular activities within AstroSTEAM clubs,Innovation Fair,STEAM Career and Activity Day,Teacher experience exchange platform - STEAM Teachers' Channel - Teachers' creative practice GroupThe project's activities were reflected in the teachers' experience in combining knowledge and skills. The teachers' educational experience in the AstroSTEAM topic was implemented in schools during classes and various activities. The STEAM method and astronomy topics emerged as a compulsory teaching element and were integrated into the curriculum. Workshops and activities for children related to science and STEAM fields were organised in schools, as well as science events aimed not only at pupils, but also at their parents and local residents.<< Results >>Project website was created: www.time-for-coding-astronomy.com, eTwinning project https://school-education.ec.europa.eu/pl/etwinning/projects/astro-stem-steam-time-coding-it-all-around-us-now/twinspace, a product catalogue https://www.emaze.com/@ALLWWIRQC/virtual-school and a platform for teachers- the STEAM teachers' group www.facebook.com/groups/1260797731538299/. Teachers from other schools have free access to STEAM and astronomy knowledge and materials.AstroSTEAM clubs attended by 15 to 30 children aged 4-11 in each school. Science clubs have been integrated into the educational offer. Pupils deepened their knowledge and skills in science, became interested in doing experiments, observations and construction. Innovation Fairs and STEAM Career and Activity Days reached around 800 people. Children learned about technical and research professions, their knowledge of maths, technology, physics, astronomy and engineering increased. They conducted experiments and demonstrations, presented results of observations and experiments, mock-ups, constructions and artwork. Invited guests: parents, pupils and teachers from other schools and local residents learnt about the STEAM working method and increased their astronomical knowledge.