New Perspectives in Science Education
SciChallenge: Using Student-Generated Content and Contests to Enhance the Interest for Science Education and Careers
Sabri Pllana, Linnaeus University (Sweden)
Florian Huber, SYNYO (Austria)
Zdenek Hrdlicka, University of Chemistry and Technology (Czech Republic)
Christos Mettouris, University of Cyprus (Cyprus)
Asja Veber, Jožef Stefan Institute (Slovenia)
Zsófia Ocsovszky, BioTalentum (Hungary)
Chris Gary, Kinderbüro Universität Wien (Austria)
Eleni Boulomyti, European Students’ Union (Belgium)
Phil Smith, Teacher Scientist Network (United Kingdom)
Abstract
Science education is tremendous in shaping the present and future of modern societies. Thus, Europe needs all its talents to increase creativity and competitiveness. Especially young boys and girls have to be engaged to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). However, statistics still show that enrolment rates in STEM-based degree programs are decreasing. This will lead to a workforce problem in the industrial sector as well as in research and development, especially in many of the new member countries. This paper highlights the new EU-funded research project SciChallenge (www.scichallenge.eu), which focuses on the development of novel concepts to get young boys and girls excited about science education. It will use a contest-based approach towards self-produced digital education materials from young people for young people. In cooperation with partner schools, teachers, and other youth-oriented institutions, the contest participants (individuals or groups) between the ages of 10 to 20 will generate creative digital materials (videos, slides, or infographics). The participants will upload their content in social media channels and the submissions will then be aggregated on the SciChallenge Web Platform. The winners will receive prizes funded by science-oriented industry and other stakeholders. Intelligent cross-sectoral positioning of various awareness modules on the SciChallenge Open Information Hub will increase awareness on science careers. Through a strong involvement of related organizations and industries, we will open new opportunities for youngsters regarding internships or taster days in STEM. Additionally, aggregated information on science events (such as, slams, nights, festivals) is shared. With this multi-level approach, SciChallenge will boost the attractiveness of science education and careers among young girls and boys. It will improve the public engagement in science, economic prosperity and global competitiveness on a pan- European level.
