The main objective of the SciArt project was to develop an innovative and inclusive STEAM approach focused on Cultural Heritage. We aimed to give equal weight to Science and the Arts, promoting inquiry-based learning that connects scientific study with historical, aesthetic, and identity-related dimensions of heritage. To achieve this, we aimed to bring together expertise from different fields: academia, schools, museums and relevant experts and develop supporting key resources. A core goal was to empower teachers to implement the approach by linking science education with artefact analysis, exploring European identity, and using multimodal and AR technologies to support inclusion. To this end, we designed a series of interdisciplinary activities supported by museum-based resources, with the aim to enable students to explore heritage in hands-on, meaningful ways. The project also aimed to build capacity among partners through training and pilot implementations, and to disseminate the approach widely so that museums and schools could continue using it beyond the project’s duration.
We applied for the SciArt project to address the imbalance in STEAM education, where Arts are often treated as secondary to STEM. Research shows most STEAM initiatives prioritize STEM outcomes, using Art mainly as a tool for engagement rather than as a core learning domain. SciArt aimed to develop a more balanced and inclusive STEAM approach where both fields are equally valued. We focused on Cultural Heritage, as it naturally combines scientific methods (e.g., archaeometry) with cultural, historical, and aesthetic interpretation. This dual perspective allowed educators and students to explore how heritage shapes local and European identities. Through our work in schools, we had seen students' curiosity about the scientific study of artefacts, but found few resources to support this. SciArt addressed this gap by developing engaging, interdisciplinary activities. By integrating emerging technologies such as AR and supporting Universal Design for Learning, we also aimed to ensure accessibility and inclusion for all students.