Lavori fuori dalla scatola - MINI MINT
MINI-MINT è un format di RealityCheck pratico per le scuole primarie (6-10 anni). Semplici esperimenti di matematica, scienze e tecnologia sono combinati con esempi autentici provenienti da aziende. I bambini esplorano i fenomeni, conducono piccoli esperimenti e imparano direttamente dai rappresentanti delle aziende perché la matematica e le scienze sono importanti nella vita professionale di tutti i giorni. Questo approccio ludico e a bassa soglia aiuta a rispondere precocemente alla domanda "Perché imparo questo?".
In linea con la strategia regionale STEM dell'Alta Stiria orientale, è stato sviluppato e testato un ulteriore box all'interno del RealityCheck. A differenza dei tradizionali approcci settoriali, questo riquadro consente agli alunni di sperimentare le professioni nei settori STEM (Scienza, Tecnologia, Ingegneria e Matematica) in modo pratico e interdisciplinare.
L'implementazione avviene all'interno delle lezioni scolastiche come parte della materia trasversale "Orientamento alla formazione, alla carriera e alla vita" e quindi appartiene sia al curriculum formale che al contesto di apprendimento non formale.
MINI-MINT is a hands-on RealityCheck for primary schools (ages 6–10) that combines simple STEM experiments with authentic insights from companies. Children conduct playful experiments in small groups and discover everyday phenomena such as measuring, comparing, or recognising patterns. Company representatives explain in age-appropriate language how these skills are used in their professions, answering the key question “Why do I learn this?”. The method follows the sequence experience – explanation – reflection: pupils explore phenomena, receive short professional examples, and reflect together with teachers on what they have learned. The format is easy to implement, requires only simple materials, and is embedded in the cross-curricular subject “Education, Career and Life Orientation”. It thus connects formal curriculum goals with non-formal learning impulses and builds an early bridge between school knowledge and the world of work.
Risultati dell'apprendimento
Risultati di apprendimento aggiuntivi
Foster curiosity for STEM, link school subjects with real-life applications, strengthen creativity and teamwork, and help children answer the question “Why do I learn this?” in an age-appropriate way.
Attuazione
Passo dopo passo
- Step 1: Coordination between school, organiser and companies on goals, timeframe, safety, parental info.
- Step 2: Co-design with companies – select 2–4 simple experiments and job-related examples.
- Step 3: Teacher preparation – link to curriculum, explain process to pupils in clear language.
- Step 4: Set up learning environment – experiment stations with simple safety checks.
- Step 5: Implementation – children explore stations, company staff give job-related insights.
- Step 6: Reflection – plenary discussion: What did we see? Where is math/science in jobs?
- Step 7: Follow-up – feedback from children, teachers, companies; small take-aways (e.g. certificates); ideas for next round.
Professioni coinvolte
The professions involved represent a broad range of STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics). Typical examples are engineers, technicians, IT specialists, production workers, or laboratory staff. They explain to children in simple and age-appropriate language how mathematics and science are applied in their daily work – for example measuring, comparing, recognising patterns, or solving practical problems.
In addition, NGOs and network organisations are involved in a supportive role. They do not represent single professions but contribute with pedagogical expertise, organisational support, and the facilitation of cooperation between schools and companies.
Preparazione e follow-up
Preparation includes early coordination with schools and companies, clarification of safety and organisational issues, and the selection of simple STEM experiments with clear job-related examples. Teachers receive short handouts and integrate MINI-MINT into the curriculum, while parents are informed to support reflection at home. The classroom is prepared with stations and basic materials to ensure smooth implementation.
Follow-up consists of joint reflection in class, linking the experiments to everyday life and professions, and short take-aways (e.g. researcher certificates) to strengthen motivation. Feedback is collected from pupils, teachers, and companies to improve future editions. Optional activities such as photo stories, repeat sessions, or short info cards for parents help to sustain learning and ensure continuity.
Valutazione
Evaluation is carried out with simple, child-friendly methods as well as structured feedback from teachers and companies. Children express their opinion directly, e.g. by placing colourful stickers on a rating scale (0–100 %) to show how much they enjoyed the activity. This visual method is age-appropriate and easy to implement. In addition, teachers provide written feedback on integration into the curriculum, preparation effort, and learning effects. Company representatives reflect on the clarity and suitability of their professional examples. The results are documented and used to improve future editions. The combination of playful feedback for pupils and structured evaluation for adults ensures that both learning effects and organisational aspects are covered, creating a sustainable and repeatable format.