The BioS4You European Project: An Innovative Way to Effectively Engage Z-Generation Students in STEM Disciplines

Dominique Persano Adorno,Nicola Pizzolato,Tahereh Mallahnia,Aušra Urbaitytė,Vytenis Punys,Volker Koch,Armantas Ostreika,Ligita Zailskaitė-Jakštė

doi:10.3390/educsci11120774

Abstract

In this contribution, we present the BioS4You project and analyse the results obtained in the first 18 months of its activity. The “Bio-Inspired STEM topics for engaging young generations” (BioS4You) Erasmus+ KA2 Innovation project aims to bridge the gap between STEM national curricula (which include Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and the needs of Z-generation students, uninterested to basic themes, but enthusiastic in issues related to environmental, social, and health concerns. The BioS4You project engages young learners in STEM subjects, starting with current issues of interest for them, as the social and environmental impact of new technologies, connecting STEM concepts to real-world technologies that are supporting on facing environmental, social, and health current challenges. Novel fields such as Bioengineering, Bioscience, Biotechnology can be implemented into classroom teaching, integrating academic disciplines, and stimulating the academic and social growth of young people. The knowledge of new STEM contents makes the students feel an active part of the technological innovation (and not just passive users) and help them to build a better future, bringing them closer to the STEM world and enabling them to make more informed choices for their future careers.

Highlights

Recent reviews about the state of education in STEM fields has determined that most of the students finds the courses dull and unwelcoming; many students end the school journey showing very low interest in STEM disciplines, ill-prepared in problem solving
The BioS4You project aims to increase the interest of new generations in STEM subjects by introducing them to the bioinspired technologies, to both the biologically inspired engineering and the scientific innovations, new treatments, technology, and processes that could make a real difference in improvement of life and environment
According to the project proposal, the second phase of IO-1 focused on the identification of “hot” topics in biotech scientific innovation which could effectively engage the young learners by increasing their interest in STEM subjects, with the final aim to establish which subjects of technological innovation are of interest to the younger learner generations and useful in making students feel an active part in building a better future

Summary

Introduction

Recent reviews about the state of education in STEM fields has determined that most of the students finds the courses dull and unwelcoming; many students end the school journey showing very low interest in STEM disciplines, ill-prepared in problem solving. Schools are challenged to suggest curricula which are closer to the interests of the new generations, flexible to the place and time of the learners, which incorporate and discover the potential of new technology and empower students to take control and awareness of their learning, to grow and move onwards. This challenge should be met by educators and schools as early as possible. Young students (Z-generation) are more connected and more careful regarding environment and social issues as well as to psycho-physical wellbeing, compared to “millennials”

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Conclusion