Erasmus in Spain:

A Journey of Passion and Culture

IES Carles Vallbona, Granollers

IES Carles Vallbona is a well-regarded secondary school known for its commitment to quality education and a supportive learning environment.

Programs Offered:

  • Secondary Education:

    Comprehensive curriculum covering languages, mathematics, sciences, social studies, and physical education.

  • Bachillerato (High School):

    Prepares students for university entrance exams and higher education.

  • Vocational Training:

    Practical programs tailored to the job market, providing pathways to employment or further education.

Facilities:

  • Modern Classrooms:

    Equipped for interactive learning.

  • Laboratories:

    Specialized facilities for science, technology, and engineering subjects.

Stage Report

Event Overview

During the third week of March 2024, from Monday the 18th to Friday the 22nd, the different delegations participating in the Erasmus+ Project KA210 “The Secret of Success is Hidden in STEM gathered at IES Carles Vallbona in Granollers, Spain. This in-person meeting was a follow-up to our October Project Kick-off Virtual Meeting, allowing us to further discuss the implementation and benefits of STEM education.

According to Suh and Khan (2019), STEM knowledge significantly impacts students by linking environmental problems and sustainability to society and the real world.

Therefore, it is essential for teachers to develop STEM lesson plans integrated into education for sustainable development.

 

This concept guided our stage, resulting in the following schedule:

Monday, 18th March 2024

- 09:00-11:00: Introductory presentation of each partner school using the Action Bound platform.
- Discussion Topics:
- Pre-check: Introduction to the event.
- What is STEM?
- How should a STEM program be prepared and implemented?
- What are the benefits of a STEM lesson plan?
- 11:00-11:30: Break Time.
- 11:30-14:00: Granollers Tour and Erasmus+ Delegations Meeting.

Tuesday, 19th March 2024

- 09:00-11:00:
- Stages of the STEM program.
- Creating a team for the project.
- Determining the object of the project.
- Connecting interdisciplinary achievements in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology.
- Defining objectives and creating a problem-solving plan.
- Evaluation of the plan.
- Writing the project report.
- 11:00-11:30: Break Time.
  11:30-14:00:
- Continuation of the project planning and evaluation.
- Presentation by students on a domotic space created in the previous course.

Wednesday, 20th March 2024

  09:00-11:00:
- How to create a STEM field in schools:
- Areas of concern for projects.
- Research and analysis sector.
- Interactive learning space.
- Presentation area.
- Collaboration space.
- Discussion on climate problems affecting our world and potential solutions.
- 11:00-11:30: Break Time.
  11:30-14:00:
- Creating a STEM lesson plan.
- Adding engineering design process steps.
- Presentation and review of prepared STEM lesson plans.
- Seminar on the contribution of STEM to lessons.

Thursday, 21st March 2024

- Day Trip: Visit to the city of Girona and farewell lunch.

Friday, 22nd March 2024

- 09:00-11:00:
- Workshop: Preparing STEM lesson plans and creating STEM programs by creating mash-up groups.
- Final test.
- Methodologies to be used: Introduction and discussion, problem identification, exchange of ideas, determination of design criteria, learning by doing, review, and evaluation.
- 11:00-11:30: Break Time.
- 11:30-14:00: Erasmus+ Delegations Debriefing.

Key Topics Discussed

1. What is STEM?
2. How should a STEM program be prepared and implemented?
3. Benefits of a STEM lesson plan.
4. Stages of the STEM program.
5. Creating a team for the project.
6. Determining the object of the project.
7. Connecting interdisciplinary achievements in STEM fields.
8. Defining objectives and problem-solving plans.
9. Evaluation and writing of the project report.
10. Creating a STEM field in schools: Areas of concern, research and analysis, interactive learning, presentation, and collaboration spaces.
11. Addressing climate problems and potential solutions.
12. Creating and presenting STEM lesson plans with engineering design process steps.
13. Review of STEM concepts and the design process.
14. Contribution of STEM to lessons and practical methodologies.

Outcome and Future Plans

The discussions and activities during the week have equipped us with the knowledge and strategies needed to implement STEM education effectively in our schools. We are now prepared to tackle our next project topic in Greece, focusing on Smart Home Systems, scheduled for the upcoming season.

GALLERY