How  can Students  learn basic physics contents about phenomena we observe around us? How can we increase  student's interests in Maths and Physics if he  studies at  Linguistic Lyceum?

We believe that STEAM education and Thinkering laboratory is the answer.

By using CLIL methodology, CBL approach and BYOD technique, during our laboratory we found our that the laboratory approach is the most effective way to engage students with STEM subjects.

We have encouraged our students to experiment by using recyclable materials, this way also introducing our students to the concept of sustainability. During the laboratory the students were asked to make an autonomous research on internet to look for experiments to explain specific phenomena. After finalizing the research, they had to create scientific reports through video, animations or multimedia presentations (web radio or a web tv). The autonomous research was very success, as the students showed great ability in finding good materials an create their own contents from these. The reports contents became then open educational material to be used at school by teachers and students.

The laboratory experiments always had to involve the use of materials found in the surrounding environment, in order to make our students aware that we can find references of STEM subjects everywhere around us and that all disciplines are interdipendent.

Following this multidisciplinary methodology, we studied topics like logarithmic curve, kinetic and potential energy.

Coding was also introduced through the use of Arduino to learn what is a cycle of instruction and variable definition (example: programming Christmas tree lighting synchronization to music; functioning of traffic light).

3D modelling was also experienced through Thinkercad.

These activities were particularly useful for the students’ acquisition of planning and programming skills.

To make our activities even more interdisciplinary, we used both English language and arts to discuss the different STEM subjects.

Our students took part also to the project Europe Square (Crowddreaming) and other cultural heritage projects involving VR, and activities with the National Space Agency.