JUGAAD aimed to promote interest and excellence in STEM, the STEAM approach, and digital competences and to support teachers. To achieve this, it developed an Education Toolkit comprising 15 workshops designed for teachers and students aged 8 to 14. Each workshop is based on the STEAM approach, supports the enhancement of digital competences and integrates curricular skills from at least two different STEM subjects. JUGAAD also developed the Assessment Toolkit. It includes the JUGAAD STEAM Competency Framework, which outlines the key digital and STEM competences developed in each workshop, improving teaching quality and defining learning outcomes. The Benchmarking Self-Assessment helps teachers assess their competences and reflect on their professional growth. Additionally, the Assessment Toolkit offers 15 interactive quizzes, one for each workshop, using gamification and digital badges to create an engaging way to assess student competences. This approach enhances student motivation, increases participation, and highlights the importance of skill recognition. To make these tools replicable and adaptable, JUGAAD developed them as OER and uploaded them on a ePlatform in 8 languages.
We applied for the JUGAAD project to address the challenges of implementing the STEAM approach, promoting interest in STEM and fostering digital competencies in schools. Despite the recognized value of inter- and transdisciplinary teaching, many European schools struggle to adopt the STEAM approach due to unclear guidelines and the pressure to meet curricular objectives. Teachers often lack simple, structured resources that simultaneously enhance STEM teaching, develop digital skills, and ensure curriculum adherence. JUGAAD aims to bridge this gap by providing accessible, adaptable tools that support experiential learning, problem-solving, and collaboration. This both enhances the teachers’ competencies and students’ knowledge and motivation. Additionally, the project addressed the need for innovative assessment methods that value acquired competencies and promote further learning. JUGAAD also aimed to reduce the gender gap in STEM, and engage stakeholders in promoting STEM policies. Its innovative resources empower teachers and students while fostering creativity, inclusion, and sustainable learning pathways.