Abstract:

In the landscape of modern European education, a vibrant thread is being woven at the intersection of arts and sciences. The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) approach to education responds to this by blending the analytical rigor of STEM with the creative insights of the arts, fostering a generation of learners equipped for the complexities of the future. The Learning Science Through Theater initiative (LSTT) acknowledges that the competencies required by tomorrow’s professionals extend beyond the conventional.

The inclusion of the Arts within STEM education—forming the STEAM acronym—is crucial for unleashing the complete potential of students. The ‘A’ embodies a spectrum of disciplines, including the liberal and language arts, social studies, fine arts, music, theatre etc.

In the context of the initiative, students from all grades (primary & secondary schools) are expected to dramatize scientific notions and knowledge drawn from or related to their school curriculum. By incorporating elements of STEM into their performances, students not only showcase their scientific knowledge but also ignite curiosity about the world among their peers and the broader community.

Initiated by Science View in 2014, LSTT is an educational initiative embraced at both Greek and European levels, promoting Science Communication & Education and supported by the Institute for Educational Policy of the Greek Ministry of Education. Through innovative and creative approaches, students not only connect with their local community but also with the broader scientific and research communities, fostering a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the universe. Students from all grades, from primary to secondary schools, are encouraged to dramatize scientific notions, combining them with their school curriculum. Moreover, they are tasked with providing solutions or inspiring the community around the school to engage with scientific knowledge and exploration.

Central to the LSTT initiative is the development and operation of the STEAM IDEAS’ Square (SIS), which integrates the Design Thinking Approach. SIS serves as a nexus between science, art, and society, facilitating collaboration among stakeholders to generate ideas aimed at improving the well-being of the local, national, and international communities. Within this framework, STEAM plays a crucial role in identifying societal needs, imagining innovative solutions for the future, and creating initiatives that resonate with the community.

The innovation is the creation of the SIS in each school, a place, a facility where students, teachers, artists as well as scientists gathered and express their ideas in order to co-create and develop a common product/solution. Using this facility, the SIS, students learn in a more effective way (results will be presented) as well as the rest of the stakeholders involved are contributing to the delivery of a service/product that could contribute to the wellbeing of the local/regional/national community.

As a transdisciplinary approach, LSTT not only enhances scientific literacy but also fosters creativity and innovation within schools as well as contributes to the transformation of traditional classrooms into dynamic learning spaces where students are encouraged to explore the mysteries of science.

Since its inception, LSTT has successfully engaged 5800 students and 650 teachers from 380 schools across Greece and 4 more EU countries.

Keywords:

STEAM, Design Thinking, Art and Science, Transdisciplinarity.