Digital skills

Summer Camps Lego Education

Short summary: 

During the summer holidays, we try to reach as many children as possible and motivate them to playfully learn the most necessary skills by organizing and conducting SUMMER LEGO CAMPS. LEGO® Education STEAM solutions support development through real projects. Its essence is the challenges taken from everyday life, their transfer into experiments and tasks, and the creation of connections between natural science subjects.

Description and objectives: 

During the summer holidays, we try to reach as many children as possible and motivate them to playfully learn the most necessary skills by organizing and conducting SUMMER LEGO CAMPS. LEGO® Education STEAM solutions support development through real projects. Its essence is the challenges taken from everyday life, their transfer into experiments and tasks, and the creation of connections between natural science subjects.

The LearnIT team wants to do their part in building a sustainable future and creating a better world that our children will inherit. We visited schools and kindergartens to provide space for the children of today to become the builders of tomorrow

We are currently preparing for cooperation with the EDULAB Academy, which is the official provider of innovative education based on the license issued by the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Slovak Republic.

Objectives

- We strive to support teachers in their everyday educational activities. We also aim to offer playful learning opportunities for different age groups with the help of our LEGO® Education programs as well as develop almost the entire range of cognitive abilities. And last but not least, we playfully teach children the basics of programming.
- The results achieved are assessed with the help of level assessment tests to be completed at the beginning and end of the school year, and in the case of camps, with the help of questionnaires filled out by parents.

Country: 
Education level: 
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Organisation: 
LearnIT Academy o.z.
Impact: 

Our program develops almost the entire range of cognitive abilities: the analysis-synthesis thinking process, the durability and depth of attention, the ability to observe and remember (remember previous experiences and use them to solve the next task), abstraction (the finished building does not have to be exactly like it is in real life, it is also possible to symbolically indicate what we want), the creative imagination, etc. In addition to these, we develop another 24 skills, and we also motivate teachers to use LEGO and other toys in various educational areas. Our specific objective regarding our program is to integrate the STEAM education method into the education system. No independent impact assessment studies have yet been prepared

Reach: 

Currently, with the summer LEGO camps, approx. 60 children were reached, and 15 schools and kindergartens currently participate in our LEGO Education program during the school year

Our goal is to double the number of cooperating institutions every year and involve as many educational institutions as possible in our program.

Budget and funding model: 

Currently, in most institutions, the program is financed by the parents for their own children (in the case of paid school courses and summer camps). Some institutions finance the sessions from their own resources, but we also provide opportunities for sponsors to support the program.

 

Title (dropdown menu): 
Year start: 
2022
Status: 
data_page_icon_programme: 

NPO Robotics

Short summary: 

The NPO Robotics programme includes a range of well-known robotics-related education activities in Estonia, including FIRST Lego League and RoboMiku.

Description and objectives: 

The NPO Robotics programme aims to offer different learning and competition opportunities in robotics. The NPO Robotics has several different projects and outcomes and some of its programmes are connected to international initiatives and competitions:

 

  • Competition RoboMiku - gives pupils the opportunity to build their own robot individually or in teams and put them to the test. The competition has different categories depending on the robot and age of the pupil
  • First Lego League - a three-part robotics program meant for different age groups and based on that, have different difficulty levels. The aim is to popularize science and technology in a fun way. With that, other necessary skills and knowledge are being developed.
  • School visits - workshops in robotics are offered to the interested schools. In one workshop, 20 students can participate. The necessary tools, equipment, robots and instructors are visiting schools all over Estonia
  • Several projects that aim to promote robotics in pupils and teachers. They also offer additional training to teachers so that robotics would be a natural part of the curriculum.

 

The objective is to give young people practical knowledge about technology and robotics. The main focus is on practical knowledge and opportunity to work with technology that otherwise may not be available in schools. In addition, students have the opportunity to compete with each other.

 

The objectives are related to Estonia's broader government strategy to raise the popularity of engineering and technology as a career path. The aim is also to develop the STEM teachers so that the teaching quality would be high and the used methods modern and in compliance with the needs of the students.

Country: 
Logo or photo: 
Organisation: 
NPO Robotics
Impact: 

The Robotics competitions and workshops have a direct impact on pupils to learn more about robotics and technology. Within the last few years, the number of applicants to the IT and robotics curricula has increased. It meets the countries need to have more IT competence both in the public and private sector.

Reach: 

In every year NPO Robotics reaches with its different activities to thousands of young people all over Estonia.

 

In 2019, more than 650 students and about 100 teachers participated in the RoboMiku competition. In the FIRST LEGO League, there were more than 40 best teams as finalists taking part in the competition.

Budget and funding model: 

Funding of the activities is based on different finance sources:

  • EU programmes, such as Erasmus+ and European Regional Development Fund
  • Project-based funding by the Ministry of Education and Research, HITSA, University of Tartu
  • Funding from private companies
Title (dropdown menu): 
Year start: 
2005
Status: 
data_page_icon_programme: 

KVARK Science Theatre

Short summary: 

The KVARK project was grown out of the highly successful Rocket69 science TV contest (see related page). KVARK’s objectives are to popularize scientific thinking and scientific approach in public by offering scientific content for different events, scientific entertainment in a form of science theatre, and by conducting clever workshops for both children and adults. KVARK also produces scientific and educational exhibits for museums and helps organisations to arrange projects that support science-based society, and environment.

Description and objectives: 

The KVARK project was grown out of the Rocket69 science TV contest (see related page). The main reason for the creation was to broaden the public knowledge about science and scientific thinking. KVARK concentrates on three main actions:

 

  1. Popularizing science, technology, and engineering
  2. Rising the quality of the scientific, engineering, and technological education
  3. Adding value to working in the science, technology, and engineering subject fields

 

The team of KVARK includes undergraduates and graduates from different STEM specialities.  KVARK’s objectives are to popularize scientific thinking and scientific approach in public by offering scientific content for different events, scientific entertainment in a form of science theatre, and by conducting clever workshops for both children and adults. KVARK also produces scientific and educational exhibits for museums and helps organisations to arrange projects that support science-based society, and environment.The objectives also include raising young people's (primary target group) interest in STEM education, professions, and careers in these fields. The objectives are measured by the projects supported; the number of events/workshops carried out. The indirect indication is evaluated based on the statistics of popularity of STEM specialties among the students’ enrolling universities, vocational schools, and hobby education.

Country: 
Logo or photo: 
Organisation: 
Teadusteater OÜ
Impact: 

KVARK and the science theatre shows have increased the popularity of STEM in young children – by making the scientific experiments entertaining, they are more interested in enrolling in vocational schools. The impact of the programme is measured primarily in the number of participants.

Reach: 

The objective is to increase the number of projects supported, increase the number of people participating in the science theatre events. The future goal for KVARK is to start organizing events for teachers in the STEM subjects to increase the reach. In 2019, KVARK organized a science theatre performance for 12,000 people.

Budget and funding model: 

KVARK’s funding model is performance-based funding

Title (dropdown menu): 
Year start: 
2016
Status: 
data_page_icon_programme: 

IT24

Short summary: 

IT24 is a project organised by the Basque Institute of Telecommunication Engineers. The programma seeks to inspire young people to be technology leaders and solve problems in their lives and their community. It is aimed at young people from 12 upwards.

Description and objectives: 

IT24 is a project organised by the Basque Institute of Telecommunication Engineers. The programma seeks to inspire young people to be technology leaders and solve problems in their lives and their community. It is aimed at young people from 12 upwards. There are two categories: Junior from 12 to 16 and Senior from 16 onwards. The participants solve a real problem set up by one of the partner companies and they have 24 hours within the same complex to solve it in diverse teams. The activity is organised annually.

 

The project’s main objective is to inspire young people to be technology leaders and solve problems in their lives and their community.

 

Junior Category Objectives:

  • Foster STEAM by means of imagining to be entrepreneurs
  • Learn to appreciate technology through clear examples
  • Bring companies to the classrooms so students learn about the local business fabric and its problems

 

Senior Category Objectives

  • Bring STEAM centre-stage in any challenge facing companies in the 21st century
  • Encourage entrepreneurship
  • Foster STEAM degrees among young people aged 16 to 18
  • Opportunity for the participating companies to attract young talent

 

The initiative’s objective is in line with the objectives of the Basque Institute of Telecommunication Engineers, which is foster STEAM studies due to the lack of vocation in technology degree. It also seeks to overcome the gender gap in those professions.

Country: 
Education level: 
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Organisation: 
Basque Institute of Telecommunication Engineers
Impact: 

The following data was recorded from post-activity surveys:

 

  • 75% of the participants were female
  • 49% of the participating students indicated that they would study a STEAM degree, 24% that they would not study a STEAM degree and 37% did not know
  • The event was rated 4.75 out of 5
Reach: 

Since it was implemented, the participation has been:

  • 354 students
  • Over 30 different companies
  • 3 universities of the Basque Country
  • Over 5 non-profit entities
Budget and funding model: 

The programme was funded by the participating companies, Bizkaia Provincial Council and the different local councils where the event is being held.

Title (dropdown menu): 
Year start: 
2018
Status: 
data_page_icon_programme: 

UCL STEM Literacy Programme

Short summary: 

The STEM Literacy programme employs highly skilled and trained UCL Engineering student STEM Ambassadors, with unique expertise in their field, to volunteer in schools, acting as teacher assistants. Using  different mediating artefacts (posters, cards, other resources) to explore STEM in the classroom, as well as tailored STEM projects and UCL’s inclusive STEM books library “Curious Minds and Budding Engineers” for children and young people.

 

The programme has seen a dramatic increase in literacy and numeracy skills in participating primary school children as well as in their understanding of maths and science. The STEM Literacy programme in primary schools, achieved remarkable increase in literacy skills (from 22% to 73%), numeracy (17% to 66%) and understanding of STEM (31% to 75%).

Description and objectives: 

The STEM Literacy programme employs highly skilled and trained UCL Engineering student STEM Ambassadors, with unique expertise in their field, to volunteer in schools, acting as teacher assistants. Using  different mediating artefacts (posters, cards, other resources) to explore STEM in the classroom, as well as tailored STEM projects and UCL’s inclusive STEM books library “Curious Minds and Budding Engineers” for children and young people.

 

The programme's objectives are:

 

  • Introduce children from an early age to the world of engineering, science and technology
  • Improve literacy and numeracy skills in children and young people as well as understanding of STEM subjects and their relevance to everyday life
  • Empower children to consider a wide range of STEM degree and career pathways
  • Challenge stereotypes holding back children and young people – especially girls and ethnic minorities - from achieving their true potential

 

As part of the programme UCL created the “Curious Minds & Budding Engineers” STEM Book Library (see background documents) to celebrate women and ethnic minorities in STEM, featuring books like “Ada Twist Scientist”, “Detective Dot” and “My Mummy is an Engineer”.

Country: 
Education level: 
Logo or photo: 
Organisation: 
University College London (UCL)
Impact: 

The programme has seen a dramatic increase in literacy and numeracy skills in participating primary school children as well as in their understanding of maths and science. The STEM Literacy programme in primary schools, achieved remarkable increase in literacy skills (from 22% to 73%), numeracy (17% to 66%) and understanding of STEM (31% to 75%).

 

Our evaluation strategy goes beyond the “reaction” level, using mixed methodology including pre and post activity responses; impact observed by teachers; evaluation tasks and external evaluator observations. We obtain evidence of impact at: initial reaction; changes in participants knowledge and skills over 3-6 months (medium impact) or 6-9 months (high impact). Impact evaluation process maps were created to support the evaluation process.

Reach: 

The STEM Literacy programme in primary schools has worked with 54 schools and over 1500 children across London primary schools.

 

In 2023, will be launching as a national programme in partnership with the Royal Society and linked to the “Engineering Kids Future” IET initiative (government, industry and other STEM stakeholders involved).

Budget and funding model: 

Funders include: 1. STEM organisations; 2. Foundations and charities; 3. UCL Engineering faculty outreach budget.

 

Funding includes financial (lumsum or co-), partnership model (via MoU agreement) and / or in kind support (i.e. experts, resources, specialised equipment or kit etc.).

 

Continued funding depends on shared strategic objectives, the programme’s outcomes and the feedback on impact from the schools, community partners. 

Title (dropdown menu): 
Year start: 
2016
Status: 
data_page_icon_programme: 

University of Tartu Youth Academy

Short summary: 

The University of Tartu Youth Academy programme (henceforth UTYA) is one of the longest running STEM promotion initiatives in Estiona (launched in 1965). The main goal of the programme is to create opportunities for the development of pupils who have already shown a deeper interest in science by offering optional courses, support teachers (in particular in their work with gifted students) and contribute to the popularisation of science and science careers in Estonia.  

Description and objectives: 

The University of Tartu Youth Academy programme (henceforth UTYA) is one of the longest running STEM promotion initiatives in Estiona (launched in 1965). The aim of UTYA is to create opportunities for the development of pupils who have already shown a deeper interest in science. The programme facilitates enriching a pupil´s knowledge beyond the usual school curriculum and also the resources to spend their leisure time meaningfully.

 

The UTYA organizes courses in three different levels and a range of subjects, including mathematics, physics, chemistry, life sciences, but also in linguistics, philosophy and other non-STEM areas. Some courses are correspondence courses conducted via ordinary mail and some are carried out using e-learning facilities. Pupils can participate either individually or as a group. There are no entrance requirements, although the programme requires pupils to be motivated and able to work independently.

 

The instructors of the courses are usually University of Tartu professors, researchers or students. Pupils get feedback on their work as well as after graduation from the course. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate from University of Tartu.

 

To enhance the pupils’ abilities and learning styles, the UTYA offers some testing facilities. Some of the tests can be taken online. In addition, for pupils who are interested in participating in different kinds of contests, the UTYA organizes national Olympiads in maths, physics, chemistry, informatics, biology, geography and other areas. When students perform well at national Olympiads they are given the opportunity to participate in international contests or Olympiads. Estonian teams have been taking part in such contests since 1992 and each year pupils have won several medals.

 

Through these activities as well as participation in other projects and events, the programme also contributes to popularising science and technology to the wider audience.

 

The main goal of the programme is to create opportunities for the development of pupils who have already shown a deeper interest in science. The programme does so by:

 

  • offering optional science courses to pupils, mostly available online for students in grade 7 – 12
  • providing financial grants to gifted students to promote studying in Estonia (instead of going abroad) through the ‘Talents to Targu’ sub-programme (since 2020)
  • offering teaching resources to teachers that help organize individualized learning in classes and are useful for additional extracurricular activities
  • offering teacher-training sessions to schools focused on gifted children's education and psychology.

 

The objectives of the programme are related to the Estonians' aim to build on a science-based economy and smart specialisation. In order to do that, there is a need to offer gifted pupil opportunities to develop themselves and have good opportunities in the country so that there would not be a need for gifted children to leave for the better opportunities.

 

Country: 
Logo or photo: 
Organisation: 
University of Tartu
Impact: 

The programme provided direct support in a variety of ways, to a large number of gifted students (see above). The programme also promoted (successful) participation in national science competitions and through its activities contributed to the popularisation of science and science careers on among thousands of children per year.

Reach: 

Through its activities, UTYA reaches a large number of pupils each year. In 2020, UTYA:

  • 49 different courses with over 2 300 students.
  • organised workshops in 64 schools for 798 students with 96 students also participating in individual study session
  • held 10 Olympiads (lower than normal due to Covid-19, normally there are around 20), with 551 participants. In the science subject competitions, there were 836 participants.
  • provided financial grants to 62 young people to support their study-career in Estonia.
Budget and funding model: 

UTYA is funded through:

  • participation fees from participants (ranging from 12 to 25 euros per course)
  • financing from the University of Tartu
  • support from companies, such as banks, biotechnology, IT companies etc.
  • project-based funding from Estonian Research Council, Tartu City Government and other sources.
Title (dropdown menu): 
Year start: 
1965
Status: 
data_page_icon_programme: 

ESTCube

Short summary: 

ESTCube is a project that aims to increase uptake of space technology career paths by giving students an opportunity to apply their knowledge to real life satellite development. The project successfully launched two satellites, the first of which was the first satellite in the world that attempted to use an electric solar wind sail (e-sail).

Description and objectives: 

ESTCube is a student satellite project and the first satellite in the world that attempted to use an electric solar wind sail (e-sail). The project aims to give students an opportunity to give their theoretical knowledge a practical output by building real-life satellites.

 

For every project, a team of engineers, mechanics, programmes and students is put together. With the team, a detailed plan and goals are set. For the ESTCube-1, the goal of the project was to successfully launch a student satellite. During the time in orbit, the satellite was actively used for taking images and downloading data, while students rapidly continued improving software for all subsystems. With this, the satellite was launched in 2013 and by 2014, the attitude determination and control system software reached its full functionality. In 2015, the batteries of the satellite got empty and the connection with the satellite ended.

 

Based on the good results from ESTCube-1, the activities continued with a new ESTCube-2 project in 2017. ESTCube-2 is a technology demonstration mission for deorbiting technology plasma break, the interplanetary propulsion system electric solar wind sail and advanced satellite subsystem solutions.

 

The ESTCube team is also participating in several bigger events and seminars. In addition to that, they also organize events that introduce the space technology and opportunities in the project. Every summer, the ESTCube Team is accepting summer traineeship members.

 

The main objective of the project is to promote space technology as a career path, by giving students an opportunity to gain practical knowledge about space technology and launch satellites that are made in Estonia. One of the goals is also to develop innovation in the field and put more emphasis in the field of research.

 

At the national level, the objective is to develop a research-based economy and use smart specialisation and launch more technology-based companies. Estonia faces a problem with the lack of engineers and technology developers in the near future. Therefore, it is important to bring more students to this career path.

Country: 
Education level: 
Logo or photo: 
Organisation: 
Estonian Student Satellite Foundation
Impact: 

The impact of the ESTCube is measured in the number of students participating in the project, but also the number of final thesis defended in the topics related to ESTCube. The biggest impact of the project is a fact that the team launched a real-life satellite in space in 2013 therefore making Estonia one of the so called ‘space countries’ in the world.

 

From the project, 14 research articles have been published and more than 50 research presentations have been made. From the project, 4 spin-off companies have been launched. More than 30 bachelor and over 20 master theses were defended related to the project The project had a great impact on the innovation and technology development in Estonia and generated international interest. This opened up possibilities for collaboration with different research institutions and companies that have since been developed.

Reach: 

In the ESTCube project, there were about 200 students as participants who are directly involved in building the satellite. The peculiarity of the project was the amount of different nationalities in the team - all together there were students from more than 10 different countries, making it one of the most diverse student projects.

 

Moreover, ESTCube held a science camp in order to promote the opportunity to build a satellite for students. In addition, the ESTCube team has visited several science related events and seminars connected to the project.

Budget and funding model: 

The project is funded by donations from companies, partners and people.

Title (dropdown menu): 
Year start: 
2013
Status: 
data_page_highlighted_yes_no: 
data_page_summary: 

ESTCube is a student satellite project and the first satellite in the world that attempted to use an electric solar wind sail (e-sail). The project aims to give students an opportunity to give their theoretical knowledge a practical output by building real-life satellites.

data_page_impact: 

The ESTCube sparked 14 research articles, 50 research projects and 4 spin-off companies. More than 30 bachelor and over 20 master theses were defended related to the PROJECT.

data_page_icon_programme: 

STEAM Project: Aerospace Research Applied to the Classroom

Short summary: 
The STEAM Project: Aerospace Research applied to the classroom (from here on: 'STEAM project'), is a project of The Ministry of Education and Sports and the Junta de Andalucía which aims to bring teachers and students closer to aerospace research and improve students' skills in science and technology by putting them in the in the role of researcher about the advances in aerospace study. The project is aimed at public educational centers in Andalusia (Spain) for primary education, compulsory secondary education and high school.
Description and objectives: 

the Ministry of Education and Sports has been developing cooperation projects with leading entities in the aerospace industry, such as the European Space Agency (ESA) through the ESERO educational project, based in the Granada Science Park and Airbus Space, based in Seville. This type of collaboration has made it possible to verify the effectiveness of the STEAM methodology in general, and aerospace research in particular, in relation to increasing the capacities and competencies of students. Against this background, the General Directorate of Teacher Training and Educational Innovation has considered it essential to promote aerospace research projects, which favour the development and deepening of the basic competencies of students from the interdisciplinarity offered by a STEAM approach, putting the student in the role of a researcher focused on the advances of the aerospace study, its application to health research, technological advances in our society and advances in the prevention of climate change, in relation to the pillars of the Horizon Europe. In this context the Ministry of Education and Sports has launched the STEAM project «Aerospace Research applied to the classroom» which has as its main objective to bring the teaching staff and students of Andalusian public schools closer to the study and aerospace research applied to the classroom. The specific objectives of the project are:

 

  • Train teachers in the manipulation of aerospace resources and kits provided by the European Space Agency and the Ministry of Education and Sport
  • Guide participation in aerospace competitions
  • Promote STEAM vocations in students, especially among female students, contributing to equal opportunities
  • Guide teachers in planning aerospace visits
Country: 
Logo or photo: 
Organisation: 
Ministry of Education and Sports / Junta de Andalucía
Impact: 

Schools will document the impact of their participation:

a) A brief summary of the experience carried out.
b) The innovation carried out with the resources provided.
c) The section of the curriculum, unit, subject and course where the resources have been integrated.
d) The estimated impact on the number of male and female students.
e) The links or publications that have been disseminated
f)  Participation in the formation of aerospace competitions.
g) The list of teachers who have actively collaborated in the project.

Reach: 

The project is addressed to Andalusian public schools which provide primary education, compulsory secondary education and high school, up to a maximum of 160 schools.

Budget and funding model: 

The project is funded through in combination of sources.

Year start: 
Scholar year 2020-2021
Status: 
data_page_icon_programme: 

Solaride

Short summary: 

Solaride is a project for students who want to contribute hands-on to solving our dependence on fossil fuels. To do so, the students are building a working solar car and taking it to the ultimate test run in Australia in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. The ultimate objective of Solaride is to promote engineering and its career options in Estonia.

Description and objectives: 

Solaride is a project for students who want to contribute hands-on to solving our dependence on fossil fuels. To do so, the students are building a working solar car and taking it to the ultimate test run in Australia in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. The ultimate objective of Solaride is to promote engineering and its career options in Estonia.

 

The project gathers ambitious students from different fields, such as engineers, electronics, mechanics, software etc. from all over Estonia. The project has grown continuously into the size of an average company. Currently there are almost 70 team members. The team also has various prominent mentors from universities and companies to share their know-how with the students. Besides that, Solaride has strong support from cooperation with several Estonian universities and gives participating students the opportunity to gain practical knowledge and compete in an international competition. With this, the project promotes engineering and technology among the pupils and students.

 

The ultimate objective of Solaride is to promote engineering and its career options in Estonia. As a country Estonia faces a serious shortage of engineers and specialists, now and in the future. The overall aim of the project is to promote STEM career paths through hands-on experiences early on. The promotion of technology and engineering is therefore important to bring people to engineering and have the necessary workforce in the future. The programme also contributes to the development of innovation and science-based economy in Estonia. According to the analysis on the workforce needed in Estonia, in 10 to 15 years, 60% of the occupations are the kind of which we do not have today. Therefore, adapting with new and novel technology is critical.

Country: 
Logo or photo: 
Organisation: 
SolarCar Estonia MTY (non-profit organization)
Impact: 

The biggest impact of Solaride is raising the general knowledge about solar energy in Estonia. With the strong social media strategy, they effectively reach the general public and students on a large scale. It is hard to measure the overall impact due to the fact that Solaride has operated for a short time period. Despite that, Solaride has successfully involved big technology companies and several sponsors. In the social media, they have collaborated with several Estonian celebrities and influencers.

Reach: 

In the Solaride team, there are about 70 members. The project has s strong social media reach and the team participates in all big eventsin Estonia. Solaride has also organized several events on their own (mostly on the web due to the pandemic) and has reached thousands of people doing so.

 

Budget and funding model: 

The Solaride project is mainly funded by different sponsors, that subdivide:

  • Private funders
  • Companies, that mainly are in the technology sector
  • Local Governments, such as Tartu City
  • Universities and research institutions such as Estonian University of Life Sciences, University of Tartu and Tallinn University of Technology.
Title (dropdown menu): 
Year start: 
2020
Status: 
data_page_highlighted_yes_no: 
data_page_summary: 

Solaride is a project for students who want to contribute hands-on to solving our dependence on fossil fuels. In the context of the project students are building a working solar car and taking it to the ultimate test run in Australia in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. The ultimate objective of Solaride is to promote engineering and its career options in Estonia.

data_page_impact: 

Despite its early phase, the project and its 70-man project team has garnered a large amount of media attention, developed partnerships with large companies and put solar energy-related career paths on the map for a large number of young people in Estonia.

data_page_icon_programme: 

HK Unicorn Squad (technology hobby groups for girls)

Short summary: 

Unicorn Squad is a privately funded, girls-only technology hobby group movement with a long term aim to increase the number of girls who would choose ICT and STEM related specialties as a career. The target group of the movement is girls in lower secondary schools. These hobby groups try to lessen girls “fear of technology”, increase girls’ interest in technology and robotics already in early ages. In addition, the programme scientifically measures if “girls only” approach has different effect compared to mixed classes.

Description and objectives: 

According to Eurostat (see 'data' page) only 22.8% of employed ICT specialists in Estonia are women. In addition, girls are strongly underrepresented in extracurricular STEM courses among children aged 7-12 (for every ten boys, there is only one girl). The HK Unicorn Squad girls-only hobby groups aim to increase the number of girls that show an interest in STEM in this age-group (lower secondary education level) as well as maintaining that interest over time.

 

The founders of the movement are Kerstin and Taavi Kotka, a married couple, who started a “girls-only” technology hobby-group for their daughter Helena in September 2018, as she was kicked out from the technology hobby group at school given the explanation that the field is more suitable for boys.

 

Unicorn Squad hobby group is a “ready-to-use” solution. Teaching materials are fully prepared for the lessons along with video tutorials for the supervisor. Also, equipment for certain courses is provided by the programme. Course modules take place once a week. Teaching materials and equipment (e.g. robots and other teaching materials) for certain lessons are sent to mentors in a big plastic box weekly using a parcel machine. After using them, the mentor returns them or sends them to next group according to instructions from the HK Unicorn Squad project manager.

 

The interest and demand for girls-only technology hobby groups was so big that within two years the movement has engaged 1200 girls (age 7-14) all over Estonia. Active hobby groups are available in almost  every county of the country. The interest keeps on growing and additional hobby groups are constantly opened.

Country: 
Logo or photo: 
Organisation: 
HK Unicorn Squad
Impact: 

HK Unicorn Squad has greatly impacted technical education for girls and the programme itself has become a success story in Estonia. At the current stage (with the formal launch of the programme in 2018) it is hard to tell the impact to the number of women in engineering due to the fact that the hobby group has operated for a short time period, but it is clear that HK Unicorn Squad has become a house-hold name. According to Taavi Kotka, one of the founders of HK Unicorn Squad, “the interest in the hobby group is far greater than they can offer right now.”

 

In addition, the hobby group has been a partner for other numerous projects and events, such as Rocket69 (TV show that has 100k+ viewers per episode - see profile at the 'programmes' tab) and as of 2021, the programme is contributing to the launch of the Rocket69 Science Studios.

Reach: 

The HK Unicorn Squad reaches about 1200 girls (aged 7-14) all over Estonia. The long-term goal is to offer the opportunity to take part of the technical hobby group to the same number of girls as boys. In Estonia, this translates to a long-term objective of about 2500 girls.

Budget and funding model: 

The programme is privately funded using a not-for-profit organisational model. The participation for kids is free.

Title (dropdown menu): 
Year start: 
2018
Status: 
data_page_summary: 

Unicorn Squad is a privately funded, girls-only technology hobby group movement with a long term aim to increase the number of girls who would choose ICT and STEM related specialties as a career.

data_page_impact: 

Since its launch in 2018, the programme has increased the number of girls (age 7-14) participating in STEM and ICT-oriented hobby groups from 1 girl for every 10 boys nearly five fold (1200 in total). Ultimately, the programme aims to double this number again, achieving a 50-50 gender distribution in the participants.

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