DiSTARS

Students as Digital Storytellers: a STEAM approach to Space Exploration

DiSTARS aims to test a synchronised integration of Art and STEM in the primary curriculum, simulating the ways in which subjects naturally connect in the real world.

Combining scientific inquiry with artistic expression (e.g. visual and performing arts), storytelling, and by using existing digital tools (such as the DiSTARS storytelling platform) along with AR and VR technology, the project aims to capture the imagination of young students and provide them with one of their early opportunities for digital creative expression.

The selected thematic area of study is Space Exploration. Students involved in the project will work collaboratively in groups to express their visions for the future of space exploration. Each group of students will create a digital story in the form of an e-book (in a 2D or 3D environment) showing how they imagine a selected planet, the trip, the arrival, the buildings on the planet, the life of humans there. The project focuses on students 10 to 12 years old.

WE’RE ABOUT YOUNG DIGITAL STORYTELLERS…

COMPETENT TEACHERS

Support classroom innovation by training teachers on using our storytelling platform along with the DiSTARS’ hands-on STEM activities.

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING

Students work collaboratively in groups to exploring subject matter through the act of creation rather than the consumption of content.

EDUCATORS WELCOME

We invite school communities (including parents), researchers in STEM education and ebook developers/publishers to join us in this learning adventure.

EVENTS RELATED TO SPACE

Organize besides regular events, Virtual Visits to pioneering research facilities to expose students to cutting-edge scientific discoveries.

MEET THE PARTNERS

UNIVERSITY OF BAYREUTH

The scientific profile of the University of Bayreuth is characterized by interdisciplinarity, individuality, innovation and internationality. Teaching and research at the intersection of disciplines, as well as traditional and modern degree programmes in the humanities and social sciences, in law and economics, in the natural and engineering sciences lead to generally recognized degrees including the doctoral degree.

NUCLIO INTERACTIVO

NUCLIO is a non-governmental organisation that trains teachers in the use of new technologies, innovative methodologies, promotion of real research in classroom where students are introduced to the scientific methods using robotic telescopes, data mining, and other advanced tools for science learning. NUCLIO is the coordinator of one of the largest astronomy education efforts in the world, the Galileo Teacher Training Program.

ELLINOGERMANIKI AGOGI

Ellinogermaniki Agogi is one of the most innovative schools in Europe with 2300 students (ages 5 to 18) and 250 teachers. The school continuously modernizes STEM education by promoting and creating learning environments for students and offering numerous opportunities for teachers’ professional development enabling them to thrive in the landscape of unprecedented challenges and opportunities in the 21st century.

MOTIVIAN OEED

MOTIVIAN was established in 2005 as an innovative information and telecommunications systems integrator. Focusing largely on research and technological development MOTIVIAN is always looking for novel means of leveraging the company expertise in web and mobile technologies. Key research interests include among others, alleviating user interaction through intuitive and AR-powered user interfaces for web and mobile devices.

OMEGA TECHNOLOGY

Omega Technology is an experienced and well-known IT provider company in Greece. The Company serves Greek public bodies, private sector and other non-profit organizations with technology and services made possible by its 35 years of experience. In the field of education and training, the company uses game elements and techniques to motive engagement, participation and potentially drive behaviour towards predefined goals.

ÖSTERREICHISCHES WETRAUM FORUM

ÖSTERREICHISCHES WETRAUM FORUM (Austrian Space Forum) is a research organization in the field of space exploration with a focus on human-robotic Mars missions since 1998. Over the past decade it has evolved into a research institution with a focus on astronautics and space research. With the experience of two Mission programs, PolAres (2007-2017) and AMADEE (2018-2028), it has significantly contributed to the field of lunar and Mars analog research.

STUDENTS

TEACHERS

DIGITAL STORIES

HAPPILY ENGAGED