Problem solving in MINT or STEAM subjects in schools in Northern Ireland, Romania and Germany Erasmus Project

Project Title

Problem solving in MINT or STEAM subjects in schools in Northern Ireland, Romania and Germany

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for Schools Only

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2017

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: ICT – new technologies – digital competences; Key Competences (incl. mathematics and literacy) – basic skills; Environment and climate change

Project Summary

Through the project work at the project schools and the mobilities to Iasi and Belfast, which formed the central pillars of the project, all participants were able to experience what it means to work on a joint project across countries. Using MS teams, a lively exchange was always possible. This project promoted not only technical but also intercultural and linguistic skills. It was mainly carried out by additional courses at all partner schools and a P-seminar at the KAG. In addition, there were activities for the school community (e. g. Open Day).

Mobility 1 – Belfast (GB): 5.11 – 11.11.17
The delegation from Erding (seven students, five teachers) was hosted by the “St. Dominic’s Grammar School for Girls” for seven days. The schedule focused on the use, programming and control of drones, specifically on the transport of goods and the recording of aerial photos. In addition, various possibilities of future-oriented education and study branches were presented in several actions and workshops, and with the Giant’s Causeway an example of applied environmental protection was explored during an excursion.

Mobility 2 – Erding (D): 25.2. – 5.3.18
At the KAG, the content and skills already developed were intensified. The work with/on the drone formed the red thread of the week, especially the building of an own drone and photogrammetry were the focus. The self-built drone was taken home by the project schools and served as a possible basis for further project work. With the Chair of Flight System Dynamics (TU Munich) we were able to integrate the scientific aspect of the drone as a tool into the project. In addition, further excursions (e. g. Deutsches Museum, IBM-Watson Center, State Opera) took place. The nature conservation aspect was integrated into the working week by an excursion to the Berchtesgaden National Park (Königsee).

Mobility 3 – Iasi (RO): 7.10. – 14.10.18
Nature protection was the focus of the third meeting at the Lyceum “Vasile Alecsandri”, in which seven students and five teachers of the KAG took part. The research focus was on determining the degree of pollution in the waters of the Neamt region. In the laboratories of the TU Iasi, the data from samples collected on different sites were analysed and evaluated together with the students. The camera-equipped drone was used for aerial photography of the trees at the “Lakul Rosu”. In addition, the participants received an introduction into Arduino programming as part of various workshops (e. g. for the sensor equipment of the drone) and waste upcycling.

Mobility 4 – Belfast (GB): 31.3.- 6.4.19
Five students and three teachers from the KAG travelled to Belfast for the meeting. In addition to the workshops at the school, visits to the universities of Ulster and Queens were also essential for the project work. The knowledge of robotics and the skills in programming Arduino microcontrollers was deepened and extended with new application possibilities. In addition, it was also possible to present the results achieved so far (e. g. Investigation of bark beetle damage, visit to the Chair of Aquatic Systems Biology TU Munich) to a larger audience. The environmental aspect was emphasized by a visit to the Mourne Mountains. The drone was also used for filming to analyze huge clearings in the forests and the granite open-cast mines.

Mobility 5 – Iasi (RO): 20.10.-26.10.19
Five students and three teachers participated in this meeting in Iasi. Before the mobility, a meeting at the Film Academy in Munich and several workshops gave students an inside in different techniques of film making. A comparative study between Romania, Northern Ireland and Germany regarding air pollution, waterrecycling and waste management was an essential element for that meeting. Apart from the visit of different university departments and a trip to the Carpathian Mountains where drones were used, students started to collect and exchange footage and results of their individual projects to be able to work on their final presentation and Erasmus+ project film. Being able to stay with host families made it possible to experience the culture and life of students in Iasi.

Mobility 6 – Erding (D): 26.1. – 2.2.20
Before the mobility, intensive work has already been done on a joint project film. The meeting was continuously organized in workshops. Presentations were prepared in a working group to provide detailed information about the work and successes of the project. On the artistic side, large photo cubes with impressions of the project years were created, posters for the presentation of results were designed and an exhibition planned. Drone control skills have also been further intensified. Possible applications of the drone were clearly demonstrated during an excursion to the Ludwig-Bölkow-Campus of Airbus. The climax of the week was the ceremonial opening of the exhibition and the presentation of the project results to a large audience.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 94150 Eur

Project Coordinator

Korbinian-Aigner-Gymnasium & Country: DE

Project Partners

• Liceul Teoretic “Vasile Alecsandri” Iasi
• The Royal Belfast Academical Institution
• St Dominic’s High School