The core objective of S.TEMPO was to foster the systemic integration of STEAM education in early primary school, creating a robust foundation for lifelong STEM engagement. We sought to develop scientifically validated, user-friendly methodologies enabling all primary teachers to design and implement interdisciplinary STEAM activities irrespective of prior STEM expertise. Crucially, we aimed to create a transnational teacher network enhancing capacity building and peer learning. Our goal included producing comprehensive curriculum maps to guide STEAM inclusion and generating an open-access repository of pedagogical practice. Ultimately, the project aspired to nurture pupils’ creativity and scientific curiosity early on, reduce educational inequalities by equipping teachers with appropriate skills, and promote sustainable regional collaboration aligned with Erasmus+ priorities.
The S.TEMPO project was conceived to address a critical gap in early primary education: the limited presence and integration of STEM/STEAM disciplines within grades 1 – 4 curricula in Bulgaria, Serbia, and Slovenia. Recognizing the growing importance of STEAM literacy for future academic and workforce success, yet noting a shortage of teacher training, practical methodologies, and interdisciplinary curricula, we initiated this partnership. Our aim was to empower primary educators, many lacking formal STEM backgrounds, with accessible, research-based tools to bridge theoretical and practical integration of STEAM. Additionally, we responded to the need for regional cooperation to share expertise, mitigate curricular fragmentation across countries, and build sustainable teacher networks to foster continuous professional development and innovation in early education.