Festival of Experiments in Slovenia

Festival of Experiments in Dol pri Hrastniku: A Magical World of Discovery for Young and Old Explorers

In April, Vrtec Hrastnik, as part of the international Erasmus+ project The STEAM Challenge, organized an event in Dol pri Hrastniku that inspired both children and their parents – the Festival of Experiments. This special day was dedicated to exploring, observing, and experiencing scientific phenomena through play, collaboration, and hands-on learning.

The goal of the festival was to bring science and inquiry-based learning closer to even the youngest learners and allow them to become explorers, experimenters, and curious observers of the world together with their parents. The atmosphere was filled with joy, enthusiasm, and wonder at everyday phenomena, which became small miracles under the microscope of attention.

Learning through STEAM – When Experiments Become Experiences

The Festival of Experiments was not just a series of fun activities, but a comprehensive approach to encouraging children's curiosity and developing essential competencies through the STEAM elements. At its core was the exploration of natural phenomena, the use of various materials, tools, and technologies, and the promotion of creative thinking – the very foundations of modern education.

Science was present in almost every activity: children explored buoyancy, changes in states of matter, observed chemical reactions, and learned to formulate and test hypotheses.

Technology was introduced through digital microscopes, which helped develop focus, precision, and digital literacy. A special addition was the visit of the team from 4dritl, who joined the event and introduced children to educational robots. Through play, children learned the basics of programming, logical sequencing, and computational thinking in a fun and accessible way.

Engineering was reflected in simple constructions like water-powered mills, where children discovered how design affects movement and flow, encouraging problem-solving and innovation.

Art came alive through activities involving color, light, and shadow, where children expressed themselves creatively while also learning about optical phenomena.

Mathematics was interwoven into all activities – children counted, compared quantities, estimated distances, and explored differences in density. Through play, they developed early math concepts in meaningful contexts.

Each workshop also supported the development of soft skills: communication, collaboration, persistence, curiosity, reasoning, and questioning. The learning was not taught – it was experienced, and that made all the difference.

A Shared Scientific Adventure

One of the greatest values of the event was the involvement of parents. The festival offered a wonderful opportunity for families to explore science together, learn from one another, and share the excitement of discovery.

When Learning Happens with Joy

The Festival of Experiments was yet another proof that even the youngest children can develop scientific and technical competencies when learning is meaningful and joyful. Through play, collaboration, and rich sensory experiences, true learning happened – the kind that lasts.

Erasmus + The STEAM Challenge Team, Slovenia