The main target groups were science teachers and students at the 4th, 5th and 6th grades. To meet these objectives there are 3 PRs (LESTO Platform, Hands-on Science Education Modules, and Teacher’s Guide). Moreover, to involve the science teachers to the project, there was workshop where change ambassadors were trained to be mentors in their countries. It aimed to ensure the project's sustainability by training science teachers to have a role in the local pilot studies. The other activity cluster for sustainability is dissemination activities at the local and national level. The objectives and activities within the project meet the Erasmus+ priorities of bringing innovative approaches, and capacity building of teachers not only for being more modern, dynamic, and motivated but also work in international environments. These partnerships will promote the networking of our project partners as well as other organizations across the EU to share resources and expertise. In specific response to the Covid-19 pandemic, this project also meets the priority of responsiveness, adaptability, flexibility, and digital education readiness and mitigating the impact of the difficult periods/conditions.
Even though technology has a considerable effect on our daily lives, the use of technology in education systems is still inadequate and this need emerged dramatically during the Covid-19 pandemic worldwide due to the shutdown of the schools. Now, ministries of education around the world try to ensure learning continuity for children and youth through distance learning. In most cases, efforts involve the use of various digital platforms featuring educational content and a variety of educational technology solutions to keep communication and learning spaces as open and stimulating as possible.” Hands-on science can be defined as any instructional approach involving activity and direct experience with natural phenomena or any educational experience that actively involve students in manipulating objects to gain knowledge or understanding (Ateş and Eryılmaz, 2011). It provides opportunities for students to acquire relevant functional knowledge and skills that are associated with scientific processes needed for advancement in science and technology. This method is the most effective method to achieve today's science teaching outputs. The effectiveness of this technique increases, even more, when it is integrated with digital tools.