O1.1 WORKSHOP OF "KNOWING STEAM MATERIALS - LEARNING TO USE THE MATERIALS”, Tallinn, Estonia

From 24 th to 26th September, an international meeting took place in the Tallinna Rõõmupesa Lasteaed as part of the Erasmus+ project "STEAM Challenge", where partner schools from Spain, Türkiye, Slovenia and Romania participated. The purpose of the meeting was to share experiences in the integration of STEAM subjects (mathematics, science, technology, engineering and art) in educational activities and to conduct workshops that focused on getting to know the STEAM tools acquired during the project and their practical use in everyday teaching.

Rõõmupesa teachers from five groups - Kullaterad (engl. "Golden Grains"), Rõõmupallid (engl. "Balls of Joy"), Päikesejänkud (engl. "Sun Bunnies"), Kaisukarud (engl. "Teddy Bears") and Mesilinnud (engl. "Bee Birds") - conducted activities for the guests that showed how STEAM subjects can be integrated into playful and educational activities. Teachers also demonstrated innovative learning methods (5E) and tools that help children understand complex concepts through simple and fun methods. The topics of the activities were space and planets, simple machines, energy sources, environmental education and robotics and engineering.

In addition to the work part, the project partners also had the opportunity to learn about Estonian culture and history. Guests were able to take part in traditional Estonian culture and visited Tallinn's most important attractions. Visiting the PROTO discovery factory and Kadrioru Park offered great experiences. One of the most memorable moments was the visit to the Riigikogu, where the delegation was received by former Mustamäe district elder and member of the Riigikogu, Lauri Laats. Laats welcomed the guests of Rõõmupesa and expressed appreciation for international cooperation that promotes the field of education and strengthens ties between European schools.

The meeting was a great opportunity to share best practices and learn from the experiences of other countries, which contribute to the diversification of children's educational activities. The activities of the "STEAM Challenge" project will continue in the future to support the professional development of teachers and offer children better learning opportunities and creative approaches in STEAM subjects.