LINKS

The LINKS project (Learning from Innovation and Networking in STEM - science, technology, engineering and mathematics) aims at improving inquiry-based STEM teaching through the continuing professional development (CPD) of teachers and their educators, both at primary and secondary levels.

SUSTAIN

SUSTAIN has been a network of 11 CPD (Continuous professional development) providers in 10 EU countries, with extensive experience in IBSE – Inquiry-based science education. It aimed at developing, through collaborative work, an innovative IBSE-based “toolbox” on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) topics for teachers and teacher educators. Three major ESD topics have been explored during this project and given rise to teaching and professional development tools and activities, works is published  on this website.

SCIENTIX 2

FIBONACCI

Design, implement, test and formalise a process of dissemination of inquiry-based teaching and learning methods in science and maths in Europe.

European authorities and the international scientific community acknowledge the importance of Inquiry-Based Science and Mathematics Education (IBSME) to develop an integrated strategy for scientific literacy and awareness from primary to secondary school, reinforcing scientific careers.
To go beyond best practices sharing and to provide effective know-how transfer at European level requires a dissemination model based on a systematic approach of IBSME at grassroots level, ensured by intermediary structures (universities, teachers training centres, research institutions...) with successful experience in local IBSME implementation. The FIBONACCI project defined a dissemination process from 12 Reference Centres to 24 Twin Centres, based on quality and global approach. This has been done through the pairing of the former, selected for their large school-coverage and capacities for transfer of IBSME, with 12 “Twin Centres 1” and 12 “Twin Centres 2”. Twin Centres 1 were supposed to be one step further in implementing a systematic IBSME approach than Twin Centres 2. Both have received training and tutoring for 2 years in order to become in turn Reference Centres and start disseminating.
Transversal work between partners has also been organised through 5 major topics which have been explored through European training sessions and have lead to European guidelines in order to structure a common approach at European level.

See the resources developed

SCIENCEDUC / POLLEN

The main aim of those projects was to promote the dissemination of methods and good practices for science teaching as a result of the creation of a European network and to support directly the educational practices of the teachers. Those projects have developed along several main lines: teachers training, evaluation, the dissemination of good practices ( that meant that the programme could be extended to new schools), collaborative projects between classes via the internet, a federation of numerous European countries involved in educational and science teaching.