On Wednesday 18th, partners of DIVE into Learning: Inclusive STEAM Education through Low-Cost Underwater Robots met face-to-face for the first Transnational Meeting in Girona. Hosted by the University of Girona, this gathering laid the groundwork for the three-year project, fostering collaboration, co-design, and knowledge exchange to transform STEM education through inclusion, innovation, and hands-on learning.
A Day of Collaboration and Learning
The day was thoughtfully structured to combine strategic planning with practical experience:
In the morning, partners gathered at UdiGitalEdu, the research group of the University of Girona coordinating the project, to:
- Establish project protocols ensuring smooth coordination and collaboration
- Plan dissemination activities to raise awareness and engage target groups, focusing on secondary multicultural schools
- Co-design tools for collecting data to perform a thorough current situation analysis, ensuring that project resources are based on solid evidence and informed decisions
In the afternoon, the group moved to the CIRS (Underwater Vision and Robotics Research Centre), where partners:
- Participated in capacity-building workshops on low-cost underwater robotics
- Explored innovative STEAM teaching methodologies and practical applications for marine science and technology education
- Shared knowledge and experiences regarding inclusive education principles and culturally responsive teaching, ensuring the DIVE outputs meet the needs of diverse student populations
Looking Ahead: Transforming STEM Education
Over the next three years, DIVE will:
- Develop an inclusive hands-on curriculum in the fields related to underwater robotics and marine science
- Train 260 teachers in innovative, interdisciplinary STEAM approaches
- Reach 4,000 students in multicultural classrooms
- Build a sustainable network of educators across Spain (Catalonia and Canary Islands), Greece, and Portugal to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange
The Girona kick-off provided a dynamic space for partners to connect, share expertise, and lay the groundwork for the project’s objectives.
Stay tuned as we dive into this exciting journey, shaping the future of STEAM education across Europe!
