Objectives: What did you want to achieve by implementing the project? The main objective of the project was to support preschool and primary school teachers in developing their competencies in implementing STEAM-based education in early childhood settings. The project aimed to encourage the integration of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics into daily classroom practices through playful and age-appropriate methods. We sought to create a common understanding of STEAM among participating institutions, promote interdisciplinary thinking, and foster children's creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills. Another important goal was to promote international cooperation between educators and to co-create practical teaching tools and materials that support STEAM learning for young children. The project also aimed to strengthen the European dimension of education by building strong partnerships and sharing good practices among institutions from Estonia, Türkiye, Greece, Portugal, and Bulgaria.
The project "First Steps STEAM" was initiated to respond to the need for early childhood educators to strengthen their knowledge and practical skills in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education. Partner organisations identified a gap in the effective integration of STEAM principles into preschool education, particularly regarding age-appropriate methods, hands-on learning activities and the practical implementation of interdisciplinary approaches. The project aimed to enhance teachers’ capacity to introduce STEAM through engaging, child-centred activities that foster problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity. In addition, there was a strong need for international cooperation between European schools in order to exchange experience, share good practices and jointly develop educational materials for STEAM-based teaching.