How can young people’s interest in science be increased? 16 partners from ten European countries want to break new ground. In CREATIONS, a project funded by the European Union, they develop creative approaches based on art for an engaging science classroom. The partners are planning a variety of events with theatre, photography, exhibitions in which young people can experience an active and playful role within science and research. CREATIONS will establish a pan-European network of scientists, teachers, artists and students. The project was launched in October 2015 and runs for three years. CREATIONS aims to improve the skills of young people in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and to pool talent to scientific careers by
• giving students and teachers opportunities to experiment with many different places, activities, personal identities, and people
• simulating the work of the scientist and researcher in the classroom
• promoting a better understanding of how science works
• enhancing students’ science related career aspirations
• encouraging and empowering science teachers to affect change
• implementing and promoting inquiry-based science teaching and learning
• learning and (self)creating in emotionally rich learning environments
• disseminating and exploiting the results
Science helps to explore the world and comprehend the complex way in which it works. It is driven by personal curiosity and an unstoppable will to understand all the "how's" and "why's" surrounding us. Interest in science is significantly influenced when students are still in school. CREATIONS ensures that the science learning process is engaging and inspiring.
Dance, music, fine arts - all these are associated with an opportunity to express one's thoughts and emotions and provide endless space for creativity and innovative ideas. Art is too often perceived as being something that is opposite to science. But in CREATIONS the combination of these two areas can enhance cross-disciplinary thinking and raise students' interest in both STEM and art subjects.
When we are young, we desire to change the world. For adolescents, however, it is often hard to decide which career path is more attractive to them. Applying creative artistic techniques to complex science subjects helps students to find their way in life and stop being afraid of something they think they cannot do. CREATIONS provides teachers with tools that they can use for more fruitful and enjoyable stem and art education at schools.