Women Science Teachers: Empowering Women Educators and Girls through Digital & STEAM Practices
As one of the partner organisations of STEM Discovery Campaign (Organised by Scientix & European Schoolnet), Women Science Teachers has organised events for this great journey.
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Theme: Promoting skills and development
Phase and Stage: STEM – Secondary education
Action: Awareness raising
Beneficiaries: Schools; Universities; Parents; Children; Adults; Public institutions
Users: Education providers; Training providers; NGOs/Society; Policy makers
Sky Patterns: Hipparchus’ Stars Bridge was developed in the context of increasing the participation and visibility of women educators and girls in STEAM and digital learning, while also strengthening the connection between scientific education and European cultural heritage. The initiative builds on the historical legacy of Hipparchus, one of the founders of astronomy, and uses his work as a bridge between science, art, and digital creativity.
The practice emerged from international collaboration among teachers, students, and cultural actors, aiming to transform abstract scientific concepts (astronomy, patterns, coordinates) into accessible, creative, and digitally supported learning experiences. It was designed as a cross-border STEAM project integrating astronomy, mathematics, art (such as İznik tiles and European ceramic traditions), and digital tools.
The key objectives were to:
- Promote STEAM education through cultural heritage–based learning
- Strengthen digital skills and creative technology use
- Increase the engagement of women educators and girls in science and digital activities
- Foster international collaboration and shared European heritage awareness
THE CHALLENGE
The main challenge addressed by this practice was the low engagement and confidence of women educators and girls in digital and science-related activities, particularly when scientific content is perceived as abstract, technical, or disconnected from everyday life and culture.
Additionally, educators faced difficulties in:
- Integrating digital tools meaningfully into STEAM education
- Connecting scientific heritage with modern digital learning approaches
- Creating inclusive, motivating learning environments that appeal equally to girls and boys
This challenge was closely linked to the broader context of gender imbalance in digital and ICT-related fields and the need for innovative, interdisciplinary educational models.
OUR SOLUTION
To address these challenges, Sky Patterns: Hipparchus’ Stars Bridge adopted a project-based, interdisciplinary STEAM approach that combines astronomy, cultural heritage, art, and digital creativity.
The solution involved:
- Using Hipparchus’ astronomical legacy as a unifying narrative
- Integrating visual patterns, art, and cultural elements with scientific concepts
- Encouraging participants to create digital and artistic outputs (designs, patterns, visual interpretations of the sky)
- Implementing collaborative international activities, both online and face-to-face
- Actively involving women teachers as facilitators and role models
This approach transformed science learning into an accessible, creative, and inclusive digital experience.
OUTCOME
The implementation of the practice resulted in clear qualitative and quantitative outcomes:
- Increased engagement and motivation of students, particularly girls, in STEAM activities
- Improved digital literacy and creative technology use among educators and learners
- Strengthened confidence of women educators in leading digital and interdisciplinary projects
- Production of concrete digital and creative outputs (student works, visual patterns, collaborative materials)
- Enhanced international cooperation and cultural exchange among participating countries
Participants reported higher interest in astronomy, science, and digital creation, and educators observed improved participation and collaboration in learning activities.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Several key lessons emerged from the implementation of this best practice:
- Cultural heritage is a powerful entry point for engaging learners in science and digital education.
- Interdisciplinary STEAM approaches reduce barriers and increase inclusivity, especially for girls.
- Women educators as visible leaders play a crucial role in inspiring participation and confidence.
- Project-based and creative digital tasks make complex scientific concepts more accessible.
- Cross-border collaboration enriches learning and strengthens a sense of shared European identity.
These takeaways are highly transferable and replicable in other educational contexts seeking to promote women’s participation in digital and STEAM fields through innovative and inclusive practices.
