For the first time, the Zoo has hosted a training session for biology teachers from secondary and post-compulsory education
The initiative is part of the STEAM project, which is jointly promoted by BSM and the UPC in iconic spaces in the city to promote scientific vocations among students
For the first time, Barcelona Zoo hosted a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) methodology training session for biology teachers from secondary and post-compulsory education. The Bio-Steam Training took place on 26 April with the collaboration of the Barcelona East School of Engineering (EEBE) of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC).
The zoo received 45 teachers that teach biology-related subjects to extend their training using a broad range of different educational techniques that go beyond the classroom and which are based on an interest in science through technology.
Over the course of the day, four half-hour experimental workshops were held, in which participants worked on different areas, all with biology as the core theme. The event included activities with proposals ranging from investigating yeast fermentation, to the process of osmosis in cells, how to conduct experimental psychology experiments in the classroom and studying the effect of social drugs with a microcrustacean.
The session was rounded out by two talks delivered by professionals from the sector. With Doctor of Health Sciences, Maria Calsamiglia, other proposals were debated, such as how to introduce practices based on the STEAM methodology into school laboratories. With biotechnologist and Doctor of Didactics in Science, Miquel Pérez, a discussion was held on how to design STEAM projects that foster a connection with science and which are socially relevant.
A different teaching method
One of the aims of this training session was to introduce this methodology to teaching staff so they could then apply it in their schools to foster, through recreational activities, scientific vocations with a particular focus on critical thinking and gender equity.
The new Zoo model: committed to education
One of the strategic lines of the new model adopted by Barcelona Zoo is to reinforce its commitment to education, awareness-raising and dissemination. To make this possible, one of the work areas being promoted is the organisation of educational activities aimed at children, families and schools that foster knowledge of subjects such as biology and the environment, in order to raise awareness of the major challenges posed by conserving the planet’s biodiversity.
As part of this strategic line, the Zoo has become the latest space in the city to get involved in the STEAM project, which already involves the Olympic Ring, the Forum Park and the Tibidabo amusement park. Last year, for the first time it hosted an edition of these science days, which, in collaboration with BSM and the UPC, were carried out with the participation of some 600 children from the first and second years of compulsory secondary education.
Through projects like the STEAM project, BSM is working to promote the social and educational use of iconic spaces in the city among citizens.