The main objective of the project was to integrate STEAM and Home Economics in teacher education and school practice through practical and innovative approaches. The project aimed to develop high-quality, user-friendly materials that support interdisciplinary teaching and sustainability-oriented learning. Specifically, the objectives were to (1) create Guidelines for implementing STEAMKitchen approaches, (2) develop a Handbook with practical learning activities, and (3) design an interactive e-course for teacher education. In addition, the project aimed to strengthen collaboration between teacher educators, preservice teachers, and schools, and to improve competences in interdisciplinary teaching. Another key objective was to increase awareness of STEAM in everyday life contexts and to support its accessibility, particularly in relation to sustainability and real-life problem solving.
The project was initiated to address the lack of practical models for integrating STEAM and Home Economics in teacher education and school practice. While Home Economics naturally connects to STEAM through everyday life topics such as food, sustainability, and resource use, these links are rarely systematically used in teaching or teacher training. Across partner countries, teacher education faces challenges such as low student numbers and limited interdisciplinary approaches. In addition, students often struggle to connect knowledge across subjects and apply it to real-life situations. Teachers and teacher educators lack concrete tools and examples for supporting such learning. The project responded to these needs by developing practical, transferable resources and strengthening collaboration between teacher educators, preservice teachers, and schools. It also aimed to make STEAM more accessible through everyday contexts and to support sustainability-oriented thinking and learning.