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Curiosity Path : Learning with kids, teachers, schools and cultural centers

Target group Colaboration Objectives
8-18 years old Schools, Science Museums... Nurture future talents

This path addresses primary and secondary school female students aged 8-18. Developed as formal, informal and after school activity in close collaboration with schools and science or design museums, it allows to find and nurture future talents as well as create aspirations, trust and joyful moments for kids.

Formats of the Curiosity Path

The Curiosity Path can be developed in diverse formats, and it is possible to customize the tested one with new ideas according to the context.

1: After-school program for kids

Labs can create after school programs for kids in cooperation with their schools and local public organizations to bring them complementary skills and help them to actively create their own vocation. As an example, Fab Lab Leon has created the [Poderosas program[(https://www.instagram.com/poderosasleon/)] and has tested a new format of Fabricademy for kids.

2: Summer programs for kids

Cooperation can be also established to create curiosity moments during holidays, as it is a moment for children to get into new things and explore activities they want to deepen. ONLF collaborated with the Geneva Public Library and Passeport Vacances, a summer programme supported by the Geneva district, that selects innovative and fun activities for children and teen-agers, including Voodoo Lapin.

3: Train the teachers programs

Those types of programs consist in bringing new skills and contents to teachers so they can then share it in their pedagogical practices with kids and also provide feedback about the development of the activities in special education centres. By dialoguing with teachers and inviting them to practice activities, it is possible to establish a more appropriate approach for children and to transform them into practitioners. Fab Lab Barcelona has been using this approach for several years now within their Future Learning Unit and have initiated this year the program Remix The School, one pilot project for cooperation between creative hubs and educational institutions with the goal of promoting transversal and creative skills transfer.

4: Develop parallel cultural program for kids during exhibitions

Exhibitions are made for sharing perspective and knowledge on specific topics or practice. Cultural centres used to set up a program of activities in relation to the content of the exhibition. Cooperation with labs can be established not only to develop contents for exhibition but also to run parallel activities adapted for kids. Fab Lab Barcelona has run an exhibition with Materfad and the Design Museum of Barcelona on biomaterials and run a specific workshop for kids from a local school. (link) ONLF has collaborated with the University of Geneva and The Museum of Natural History about microorganisms and textile (La collaboration être humain et micro-organisms : pour une industrie textile plus durable)”, including a mini-expo, a 2 days workshop for adults and 4 workshops for children. (link) Fab Lab León has collaborated with the Light Museum of Ponferrada (LEON) during the exhibition faire of the summer course: “Cultura Maker - III Edición; Innovando en Tiempos Difíciles”, with a mini expo and a workshop for kids

5: Join us in a glocal activism for new pedagogical approaches in schools

Tips for the Curiosity Path

To do:

  • Test the activity beforehand with the team of facilitators
  • When software is needed, check that it is updated. Send a list of the software that will be used so that participants can install it before the activity.
  • When machines are needed, check that they are working
  • Prepare the activity in advance, prepare the kits of materials and tools for each participant and some extra kit for backup, and also prepare the instructor’s model to show it to the participants.
  • Use the PowerPoint as a step by step guide for the participants
  • Set time for discussion
  • Comply with the established schedule

Don't:

  • Let time for discussions off-topic. Plan it after the activity
  • Dedicate time to install software on personal Laptops. Send instructions to the participants prior to the activity
Last update: January 29, 2022