In the context of the 13th Pan-European Festival "Science on Stage", the transnational eTwinning project "There and Back Again: A Space Tale" was represented in the "Joint Projects" category by the teachers Christiana Matentsidou of the 1st Gymnasio of Polichni, Greece and Bosiljko Đerek of Primary School Središće from Croatia.
The festival took place at Turku UAS' Kupittaa Campus (Edu City and ICT City) in Turku, Finland, from 12 to 15 August 2024. The event was implemented by Science on Stage Finland with the support of the University of Turku, in collaboration with Science on Stage Europe and under the patronage of the European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Iliana Ivanova.
More than 500 educators from various European countries, Kazakhstan and Canada participated in the festival, who presented their most innovative ideas through STEM projects, workshops and lectures. The participants were selected through national competitions, while the "Joint Projects" were evaluated by the committee of Science on Stage Europe. The festival was a great opportunity to network and exchange ideas that could form the basis for future educational projects.
An overview of the eTwinning project "There and Back Again: A Space Tale"
Inspired by the Artemis space program, continuing the legacy of the Apollo program nearly 60 years later, this school project focuses on space exploration and aims to encourage students to engage in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through a creative and interdisciplinary approach. During the project, the students participated in activities that included researching the history of space exploration, learning about the legal framework governing space missions, studying all the parameters of creating a lunar base for safe and long-term living of a small group of astronauts and the 3D design of a model of it. The result of this effort was the development of their own innovative solutions, through the creation of low and high fidelity prototypes.
The program also included collaborative activities between the two schools, such as teleconferences, exchange of ideas and presentation of their work, as well as collaboration with scientific bodies. Through these activities, students acquired skills in communication, collaboration, and problem solving, while simultaneously cultivating an interest in space science and technology.
The project "There and Back Again: A Space Tale" won national and European awards, including the 3rd prize in the "Moon Camp Challenge 2022-2023" competition (Explorers category of ESA member states) of the European Space Agency ( ESA) and the first prize in the 18th National eTwinning Competition in Greece.
Its educational value proves that harnessing space can act as a powerful tool to advance STEM education, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Our National Missions at the 13th Science on Stage Festival 2024
Press Release by the head of the Greek mission and head of the Greek coordinating committee of the program, Mrs. Eugenia Tsitopoulou – Christodoulidis
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