The SENSE. project reinforces STEAM education by establishing an inclusive framework that emphasises experiential learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with scientific and artistic practices.
This initiative fosters connections between various stakeholders, facilitating the co-creation of relevant, culturally responsive and impactful knowledge across different educational contexts. Through hands-on workshops and participatory citizen science initiatives, SENSE empowers students and educators alike, inspiring innovative curricular developments that integrate essential 21st-century skills. By bridging the gap between formal and informal learning environments, the project aims to develop scientifically literate citizens who are equipped to address contemporary social challenges.
The added value for specific stakeholder groups:
Stakeholder Groups
- Students (ages 13-18): Students in this age group gain critical insights and skills that empower them to make informed decisions about their educational futures. By engaging in hands-on STEAM activities, they develop essential competencies that enhance their readiness for further studies and careers in science and technology.
- Students (ages 19-25): Young adults navigating their next steps in education or career paths benefit from the SENSE project by exploring innovative fields that integrate both art and science. This exposure helps them identify their strengths and interests, guiding them toward fulfilling academic and professional trajectories.
- Women and Girls: The SENSE initiative specifically targets the issue of gender stereotypes, providing programs designed to promote females’ participation in STEM fields. By creating supportive environments and showcasing female role models, SENSE empowers young women to pursue their interests in science and technology confidently.
- Parents: Parents are encouraged to become active participants in their children’s education through engagement in STEAM-related activities. SENSE facilitates workshops and informational sessions that equip parents with the knowledge and resources needed to support their children in navigating educational choices and career decisions.
- Employers & Businesses: Private and public sector employers benefit from the cultivation of creative, work-ready graduates equipped with the skills necessary for evolving job profiles in digital and green transitions. SENSE aligns educational outcomes with industry needs, promoting collaboration between educational institutions and businesses.
- Schools, Teachers, Educators: SENSE supports schools and educators by providing hands-on pedagogical tools and methodologies that can be seamlessly integrated into existing curricula. This empowers teachers to implement STEAM principles effectively, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes in both formal and informal settings.
- Cultural & Artistic Institutions: These institutions play a vital role in bridging science and society. SENSE recognizes their value as informal learning spaces, promoting interdisciplinary approaches that allow participants to explore scientific concepts through artistic expression, thereby enhancing community engagement and learning experiences.
- Academic Staff: The SENSE project encourages academic staff to adopt STEAM inquiry and research methodologies, enriching higher education programs and fostering collaboration among diverse disciplines. This emphasis on integration prepares students for advanced research opportunities and innovative problem-solving.
- Policy-Makers & Decision-Makers: SENSE aims to influence education policy by providing evidence-based insights into the efficacy of integrated STEAM approaches throughout the learning continuum. Policymakers can leverage these findings to promote curricula that embed STEAM principles, ensuring greater inclusivity and responsiveness to societal needs.
- The General Public: The broader public benefits from the development of a scientifically literate citizenry, as SENSE seeks to engage individuals of all ages in lifelong learning. By promoting scientific understanding and critical thinking, the project empowers citizens to address social challenges through informed decision-making and active participation in their communities.