Application of STEAM Principles in Educational Projects

1st International Scientific Conference Steam + X Approach in Education: Research, Practice and Perspectives, 2024 (pp. 213–226)

AUTHOR(S) / АУТОР(И): Hasime Jashari , Selma Xheladini , Donika Fejzuli

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DOI: 10.46793/STEAM-X24.213J

ABSTRACT / САЖЕТАК:

This paper explores the integration of STEAM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education in primary school
projects in the Republic of North Macedonia. STEAM education em-
phasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to develop
critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills by combining
scientific inquiry with artistic and technological approaches. The study
involved 146 students aged 10 to 15, who participated in various proj-
ects including coding, environmental research, and digital storytelling.
The research methodology encompassed field and laboratory work,
coding activities, artistic creations, and literary projects. Students used
digital tools such as Flora Incognita, PlantNet, and Google Lens to en-
gage with biodiversity, while applications like Canva and Story Jumper
were used to develop artistic and literary outputs. Teacher, student,
and parent surveys revealed high levels of engagement and interest in
STEAM activities, alongside a strong desire for further training and
resources to support the implementation of these innovative projects.
The study found that STEAM education fosters a deeper understand-
ing of academic subjects, promotes critical 21st-century skills, and
motivates students to engage more actively in their learning process.
However, challenges related to limited resources and the need for
teacher training were identified. The paper concludes that with prop-
er support and investment, STEAM education has significant poten-
tial to enhance student learning and prepare them for future careers
in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.

KEYWORDS / КЉУЧНЕ РЕЧИ:

STEM education, projects, extracurricular activities

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT / ПРОЈЕКАТ:

Special thanks to Science on Stage North Macedonia, where the project “How to Love Nature and Why” was presented, as well as to Science on Stage Europe, where the same project was show cased at the Science on Stage Festival 2024 held in Turku, Finland.

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