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Description
The pre-defined project will focus on STEM with special attention to natural sciences and ICT. The activities include:
- Developing education and training programmes for teachers on how to promote values of curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in a school environment;
- Developing workshops, extracurricular activities and science camps and other outreach activities for pupils and students and others;
- Developing ‘makerspace’ and ‘makerlabs’ and other interactive thematic exhibits, including acquiring necessary mobile equipment;
- Evaluate activities and measure impact of the innovation centre on society.
Summary of project results
1. External Factors Impacting Production and Installation
At the outset, the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to both the production and installation of the exhibition. Restrictions prevented experience-sharing visits with project partners, limiting collaboration opportunities. Additionally, the situation in Ukraine led to unforeseen delays in the delivery of materials and IT equipment, requiring manufacturers to adapt while maintaining quality, meeting deadlines, and fulfilling commitments.
2. Designing an Inclusive Visitor Experience
A key challenge in developing the exhibition was ensuring an engaging experience for a diverse audience. Visitors varied in age, size, weight, and interests, making it crucial to strike a balance that would cater to everyone. The focus extended beyond entertainment, with great emphasis on fostering educational and discovery-driven adventures.
3. Managing Overwhelming Public Interest
A positive but demanding challenge emerged with the overwhelming visitor turnout in the first months after the Innovation Center’s opening. Within six months, the Center had already welcomed 100,000 visitors, underscoring the project’s significant impact and popularity.
The project implemented a range of activities aimed at fostering STEM education and engagement for different target groups.
1. Development and Implementation of STEM Training Programs
A total of 21 training programs were developed and tested, primarily targeting children, young people, and educators:
• 17 programs were designed for students across four age groups—preschool, primary school, elementary school, and secondary school. These programs focused on various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects, integrating interactive and practical activities. They were closely linked to the mobile demonstration equipment procured as part of the project, enhancing hands-on learning and reinforcing knowledge gained in school.
• 4 programs were developed for teachers, aimed at improving their pedagogical skills and competence in STEM education. These programs provided educators with innovative teaching methodologies to engage students effectively.
2. Creation of Interactive Educational Activities
To further engage the broader audience, the project introduced 12 interactive educational activities for its secondary target group. These included:
• Technical creative workshops that encouraged hands-on problem-solving and innovation.
• Science shows designed to make learning engaging and visually stimulating for participants.
3. Promotion and Outreach
To maximize the impact of the newly developed programs and activities, a comprehensive marketing campaign was conducted. This campaign was supplemented by a series of events organized over several years to raise awareness and encourage participation.
4. Experience-Sharing and Staff Training
Knowledge exchange played a key role in the project’s success. Staff members received specialized training from experts at VilVite Science Center, focusing on:
• Best practices for implementing STEM educational programs.
• Effective strategies for managing day-to-day operations at the Innovation Center.
Through these activities, the project successfully strengthened STEM education, provided valuable learning experiences, and enhanced the competence of both students and educators.
VIZIUM Science and Innovation Centre in Ventspils has achieved significant outcomes, positively impacting educators, students, and the broader community in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.Educators: Enhanced Teaching Competencies: Over 70 teachers participated in specialized training programs, with 83% reporting improved competencies in delivering STEM education. These enhanced pedagogical skills are expected to elevate the overall quality of STEM instruction in schools.Students: Increased Engagement and Knowledge: Approximately 750 students engaged in the training programs, with 82% acknowledging a boost in their understanding and interest in STEM subjects. This heightened engagement is anticipated to inspire further studies and potential careers in STEM fields.Program Implementation: Comprehensive Training Modules: The project successfully implemented 21 STEM-focused training programs at the Innovation Center. These programs offered interactive and practical learning experiences, fostering a deeper understanding and enthusiasm among participants.
Broader Impacts:
• Community Engagement: The introduction of interactive educational activities, such as technical creative workshops and science shows, engaged a wider audience, including community members and families. This approach enriched the learning experience and promoted STEM education beyond the traditional classroom setting.
• Sustained Interest in STEM: By providing hands-on, practical experiences, the project cultivated a lasting interest in STEM among students, potentially influencing their future educational and career choices.
Summary of bilateral results
The cooperation with the Norwegian partner - Bergen science centre VilVite in the creation of the science and innovation centre VIZIUM was very important and provided a significant contribution to the development of the project.The main aspects of the cooperation included:• Adoption of good practices - VilVite, as a science centre with many years of experience, provided valuable knowledge about the conceptual development of the centre, creating exhibitions and improving the visitor experience.• Development of educational programs - educational programs were jointly developed that promote interest in STEM fields, using interactive and experience-based learning methods.• Staff training - VIZIUM employees had the opportunity to learn from VilVite specialists, improving their knowledge about science centre management, adapting exhibits to different age groups and using interactive teaching methods.The cooperation has brought long-term benefits and promoted the development of VIZIUM as a modern education and innovation centre in Latvia.In the future, we plan to develop cooperation, with a particular emphasis on new educational technologies, the development of interactive exhibitions, and the creation of international projects that will contribute to the sustainability and development of the innovation centre.