02.08.2021

Symposium: "Innovations in STEM Education during the Pandemic"

Joint initiative of the University of Tübingen, Lancaster University, and Native Scientist

The symposium “Innovations in STEM Education during the Pandemic” brought together 100 leading scientists, educators, and European policy makers from 16 countries to discuss how the pandemic affected (science) education and to share innovative measures and activities that mitigated the effects of the move online. Participants included Professor Louise Archer (University College London), Professor Jessika Golle (LEAD), Professor Eleni Kyza (Cyprus University of Technology), Dr. Suzanne Dillon (Chair of OECD’s The Future of Education and Skills 2030) and Professor João Costa, the Portuguese Secretary of State for Education.

In addition to short talks and a round table, there also was a science slam in which innovative STEM education projects were presented:

• Fredilson's Podcast - Illustrated education aimed at explaining scientific themes in a simple and visual way, through short animation videos. The project is the first and only one produced in Cape-Verdean creole (mother tongue of Cabo Verde).
• LeWiBo aims to bring science to schools by organizing seminars from scientists when they travel.
• Lab in a Box is a project that implements a novel kit of scientific experiments in the classroom, alongside Teacher Training. Portable, modular, composed of cheap, common materials. It is designed to help educators grow children’s wonder and respect towards the world around them, critical thinking and scientific curiosity.
• Cientistas em Casa is a webseries with hands-on scientific experiments for families and schools. Researchers from ITQB NOVA share science activities that provide fun educational moments. In partnership with OeirasValley and IGCiencia.
• Soapbox science brings science to the streets, and highlights the work of women in science, technology, engineering, math and medicine. Their purpose is to give visibility to women scientists so that they can serve as role models, reducing stereotypes and the implicit bias that the public has towards women scientists.

The symposium was a joint initiative of the University of Tübingen, Lancaster University, and Native Scientist, an award-winning non-profit organization tackling educational disadvantage through science outreach. It was co-organized by Joana Moscoso and Carina Santos (Native Scientist) and LEAD member and Distinguished International Professor Patrick Rebuschat and funded via the Tuebingen Exploration Fund.

The recording can be watched on the Native Scientist Youtube channel.