The refined variations and adjustments in the design process were aimed at maximizing the SENSE-STEAM approach by adapting the photovoice activity to our context, the identified objectives, and the themes related to sustainability and transition. This process led to highlighting some of the dimensions of the SENSE-STEAM methodology and defining the details for each phase (timing, instructions, key considerations), summarized as follows:
1) We designed the initial phase to create a comfortable environment for participants to familiarize themselves with each other in relation to the theme and to lay the groundwork for collaboration and shared understanding. We wanted to gather initial thoughts, explore the scope of the work ahead together, and establish meaningful connections.
We were mindful that the subject of the climate crisis may initially feel abstract, distant, or hard to grasp: we aimed to create a moment of exchange and a network of connections that could link us, both as individuals and as a community, to the challenge of the climate crisis.
the activity we propose were:
Icebreakers (15-20 minutes):
A name game followed by an activity where participants position themselves in the space according to their answers to questions about their backgrounds.
Getting to know each other (30 minutes):
Participants bring a photograph that represents them. Small groups are formed so that each participant feels comfortable showing their photograph and explaining what it represents and why they chose it. At the end, the photographs are assembled into a collective diorama representing all participants, which is displayed for everyone to see.
Questionnaire (20 minutes):
articipants complete a questionnaire to gather baseline data on their knowledge of climate change. This survey will be shared again at the end to explore changes, shifts, or differences in understanding or perspective. This provides a starting point for assessing growth over the course of this sequence.
Brainstorming and reflection (45 minutes):
students in groups discussed about 5 different questions to express their ideas, concerns, and expectations about the theme and project.
Program presentation and adjustments (15 minutes):
the program and the timeline is presented with big images, integrating it with what emerged during the meeting and inviting feedback to ensure alignment with the participants’ interests and needs.