Galway Community College Transition Year students at the launch "Intertwined" a new Horizon-funded EU project. entitled STEAM Learning Ecologies (SLE)
In a rapidly changing world, educational expectations are evolving at an unprecedented pace, and the need for a new approach to learning has become essential. To that end, CÚRAM, the SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices based at the University of Galway, along with 12 other partners, are part of a new Horizon-funded EU project entitled STEAM Learning Ecologies (SLE), which aims to develop open schooling models in community settings.
13 pilot Steam Learning Ecology (SLE) projects have occurred across Europe in 2023/4. CÚRAM is the national coordinator for Ireland's project entitled 'Intertwined' - Mosaics of the Community Brain - a collaboration between CÚRAM, Ballybane Library, Galway Community College and artist Alison Mac Cormaic. This project aims to drive policy change in science education on a national and European level and to that end, the projects were presented in EU parliament in January 2024.
‘Intertwined’ was launched on Thursday March 14th during National Brain Awareness Week by Deputy Mayor, Councillor Donal Lyons. The mosaic was developed through a co-creative approach with library staff and students learning side by side and included workshops at 'Superhuman', CÚRAM's medtech exhibition housed in Galway City Museum, as well as the Centre for Microscopy and Imaging in the University of Galway and in the School of History and Philosophy.
The theme of the mosaic and the programme was that of exploring perceptions and different viewpoints – looking at the same thing from far away and up close and how those viewpoints can inform attitudes and opinions. The library wished to rebuild a connection with their teenage audience post-pandemic and this science-based workshop enabled that. The mosaic will take up permanent residence in the library’s newly refurbished Maker’s Space and is open to the public to view.
