Global STEAM

Language:

English

Grade/Age:

Middle (12-14), Secondary (15-18)

Subject:

Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Creative Language

Global Goals:

5: Clean Water; 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities; 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; 13: Climate Action; 15: Life On Land

Registration Dates:

August 15, 2025 – November 25, 2025

Project Dates:

August 20, 2025 – May 31, 2026

Project Description:

“GLOBAL STEAM – Science for a Sustainable Future” is an international educational project designed for students aged 11–15. It combines Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project aims to raise environmental awareness and develop problem-solving skills through hands-on activities and global collaboration. Students from different countries will investigate local environmental challenges such as air and water pollution, waste management, and biodiversity loss. Using scientific methods and mathematical tools, they will collect and analyze data from their surroundings. Working in international teams, students will compare their results, discuss global differences, and propose sustainable solutions. They will also create creative campaigns, posters, and prototypes that promote eco-friendly practices. The project encourages critical thinking, teamwork, digital skills, and intercultural communication. It concludes with a virtual exhibition where students present their final projects and share their visions for a sustainable future. GLOBAL STEAM empowers young people to become active global citizens and change-makers in their communities.

When is the project most active?

Fall, Spring, Winter

Length of time to complete project:

4 Months

Instructional time required for project:

1-2 hours per week

Facilitator(s):

Iwona Kowalik, iwonainka2012@gmail.com

Facilitator country:

Poland

Will the project include a synchronous exchange?

Yes

Project Phases:

Stage 1 – Introduction and Integration (1 week)
Presentation of schools, countries, and local natural environments.
Interactive quiz about the SDGs and STEAM.
Tools: Padlet, Google Meet, Canva, Nearfield, or Kahoot

Stage 2 – Local Environmental Challenges: International Activities (3-4 months)
1. Air Quality Comparison
Students measure local air quality indicators (e.g., PM2.5, PM10, humidity) or use publicly available data.
They create a shared table and comparative graphs. They analyze which factors influence the results (e.g., climate, industry, transportation).

2. Monitoring Water Consumption in Homes/Schools
Each group measures water consumption for three days and calculates the average per person. Together, they compare results and discuss water-saving habits and opportunities.

3. Documenting Local Biodiversity
Students document plants, insects, and animals in their surroundings (photos, descriptions). Together, they create a virtual biodiversity atlas and analyze similarities/differences.

4. Environmental Threat Map
Each group creates a map identifying local problems (e.g., landfills, polluted river, noise). They combine the maps and analyze threats in different countries.

5. Weather Observation
Collect weather data (temperature, precipitation, wind) for a week.
Groups create comparative graphs and analyze the climate of the regions.

6. Water Filtration Experiment
Each group conducts the same experiment with a home water filter (e.g., sand, activated carbon).
The results and effectiveness are compared on a shared sheet.

7. Waste Analysis in Schools
Groups document the types and amounts of waste in the school for a week.
They create graphs and propose ways to reduce and sort waste.

8. Noise Impact Study
Measure noise levels at various locations in the school/city.
Compare data and discuss the impact of noise on people and nature.

All activities can be conducted via video meetings, collaborative Google Docs, Padlets, or Canva or PowerPoint presentations. Students should share their results, ask questions, and comment on the results of their peers from other countries.

Project goals:
Developing math and science skills in the context of global issues.
Cultivating environmental and social awareness through work on the Sustainable Development Goals.
Improving intercultural communication and collaboration skills.
Creating creative solutions to local and global environmental challenges.

Outcomes:
An interactive e-book with solutions and analyses.
A gallery of student projects.
Increasing environmental awareness among young people.
Establishing international educational collaboration.