Project Title: Developing 21st Century Skills Through Teaching and Learning in Sustainability in STEM Education
At Owenbeg N.S., we have embarked on an exciting journey to embed STEM into our teaching and learning practices across the Primary Curriculum Framework, and we are already seeing how it benefits pupil engagement. As we implement this project, our school’s strong tradition of offering enriching learning experiences in both the Arts and STEM education is being enhanced by the use of both physical and human resources available in our school and the wider community.
The vision for our STEM Project (Funded by the Department of Education) uses STEM areas and skills to provide equal opportunities for all our pupils. Through this project, they are engaging in 21st-century learning experiences focused on sustainability and global issues. These opportunities are not only equipping our students with essential lifelong skills but are also connecting deeply with their local life experiences, and wider national and global issues.
As we implement the project, we are also fostering a culture of self-directed, motivated learning, encouraging our pupils to take ownership of their education. Using Bruner’s scaffolding theory, our students are gradually taking the lead in their learning, becoming engaged thinkers, active learners, and knowledge constructors. This approach is already having a significant impact across all curricular areas.
The students at Owenbeg NS have responded very positively to the STEM project, actively engaging with the new resources such as new windows devices and Lego Spike kits. Across all class levels, pupils have been applying their 21st Century skills, aligning well with the project’s broad objectives. They have shown a strong ability to use these tools in new contexts, such as sustainability and global issues, and are developing an understanding of how these skills will support lifelong learning. The project activities are helping students become more aware of local, national, and global sustainability issues, while also enhancing outdoor learning experiences.