The ESTEAM project aims to improve the quality of teaching/learning process in elementary schools through an innovative method that links national curriculum goals in natural science education through teaching/learning with ICT and outdoor activities. Partners developed three main intellectual outputs (i) Research of National Curricula with guidelines, ii) Development of teaching methodology: mobile teaching/users experience platform and iii) Guide for teacher in natural science education – ESTEAM methodology Step by step guide. The platform with several experience challenges (exercises), where the contents are uploaded into the system (CMS – contents management system) and the scientific game can be tested, was created. Teachers can prepare contents for the CSM using template documents, which have also been developed through the project and are part of the intellectual outputs. Furthermore, the TeachOUT App was designed, where the scientific game can be published from the CMS and educational programme outdoors can be implemented. Finally, a Guide for Outdoor Teaching in Natural Sciences was prepared containing video tutorials, offering a step-by-step guide on how to teach using ESTEAM Methodology, how teachers can create their own scientific game on their trail and how to test and publish a game in TeachOUT App.The aim and the objectives of the project have been achieved. The partners’ schools, that are using the ESTEAM methodology and TeachOUT App, already improved the quality of teaching the natural sciences in combination with ICT and outdoor teaching. With the creation of the intellectual outputs, this is now possible for all teachers in elementary schools who access the outputs on-line. To disseminate the project results and increase interest in teachers to use the TeachOUT App partners organised Multiplier events in their countries as well as several practical workshops followed, where interested teachers created their outdoor scientific games. The partners’ Consortium was firstly comprised of three UNESCO Global Geoparks (Idrija, Magma, Naturtejo), three elementary schools, located in geoparks (Črni Vrh nad Idrijo, Agrupamento de Escolas José Silvestre Ribeiro, Idanha-a-Nova, Samfundet skole), University of Ljubljana and Locatify ehf. Right after the beginning of the project the partnership in the project faced the withdrawal of the Samfundet skole and Magma Geopark was then not able to find a new elementary school. Therefore, it was decided that it take over the tasks from the Norwegian school as well. After that partnership ran smoothly. Besides the creation of the intellectual outputs, the partners carried out other activities. The Project Management has been led by the Lead Partner Idrija Tourism Board with the preparation of the execution plan at the beginning and then with the system of progress reports, TO-DO-LISTS, risk management, communication between partners etc. The progress reports have been regularly prepared by project partners and sent to LP. During all project span, the Quality Assurance has been implemented, following the Quality, Monitoring and Evaluation plan and all activities regularly evaluated by all project partners. A lot of emphases has been put into the dissemination of the project activities and results, following the Dissemination and communication plan, that was accepted at the beginning of the project, resulting in project logo, website (www.esetamproject.eu), social networks profile (https://www.facebook.com/esteamproject/), ISSUU profile, where outputs and other results are published (https://issuu.com/esteam) and many articles and news in local, regional, national and international media. Additionally, project results have been promoted at European Geoparks Network Coordination committee meetings (EGN CC meetings) with around 170 participants from 24 EU countries, EGN conferences and several national conferences and workshops in partner's countries. We had very productive cooperation with National Education Institute Slovenia. After presenting the project results to the institute in Nova Gorica regional unit, they actively involved into the project activities with cooperating at the Slovenian Multiplier event, as well organising extra workshop for teachers at their headquarters and even creating a trail through Nova Gorica with several challenges in the TeachOUT App. To assure the continuity of the project results and quality support to potential new users we divided into 4 regions: -Southern and Central Europe (managed and supported by Idrija UNESCO Global Geopark)-South-western Europe (managed and supported by Naturtejo UNESCO Global Geopark)-Northern Europe (managed and supported by Magma UNESCO Global Geopark).At the moment there are 44 users in Souther and Centra Europe, 9 users in South-western and 45 users in Northern Europe.

<< Background >>The project GeoExplorer aims to improve the quality of teaching-learning in the high school system through an innovative learning approach that links natural science and language education through Content and Language Integrated Learning method in cross-curricular collaboration (or in the natural science curriculum in respective partners language).Besides school partners, partners of the project are part of UNESCO Global Geoparks (166 Geoparks in 47 countries). Geoparks are tools to conserve and enhance the value of areas of geological significance in Earth history and to promote sustainable development through geo-tourism and education. Global Geoparks are living, working landscapes where scienceand local communities engage in a mutually beneficial way. One of the key aspects of this cooperation is to develop new services in geoparks and new teaching methodology and tools for teachers of high school’s science and language teachers based on innovative approach aligned on the needs of school’s system, schools, teachers, Geoparks and guides to offeran attractive new way of science and language education to the pupils. UNESCO Associated Schools Network is focusing on sustainable development as well, and our partnership approach could be an example for a wider school community and education (ED) system, curriculum and cross-curriculum integration. Following quality and interdisciplinary approach,we aim to become the best practice in forming better connections and synergies between the ED system and natural heritage sites. UNESCO’s work in Science Education is important for dissemination and explanation since they push for updating curricula where needed, offering hands-on workshops, providing kits and guidebooks free of charge, training teachersand students.<< Objectives >>The general objective of the project is to improve the natural science and language teaching process in combination of cross-curriculum activities and new teaching methodologySpecific objectives (to):- acquire information about the needs, proposals and improvements in science and language education by teachers- study (cross-)curriculums, existing toolkits and materials used in natural science/language teaching of science- ensure high-quality toolbox and methodology of science and language teaching designed in collaboration with teachers, experts in the field of science, interpretation of the natural heritage and in the field of CLIL- increase the frequency and effectiveness of the cross-curriculum integration in the teaching of science and languages- increase level of competence and confidence for teachers- increase level in foreign languages for teachers and pupils- enhance education services of UNESCO Geoparks<< Implementation >>The following outputs and activities are going to be implemented: (O = Objective / A = Activity within the objective)- Review of (cross-)curriculums, existing toolkits and materials used in natural science teachingO1-A1| Desk research about curriculums and cross-curriculum in the participating countryO1-A2|Two structured questionnaires for natural science teachers and English teachers in schoolsO1-A3| Focus groups with teachers in partners schools to review the materials, tools and propsO1-A4| Preparation of joint document with findings- Young European GeoExplorer toolkit concept and examplesO2 - A1 I Geopark Homework – specific geopark informationO2 - A2 I UNESCO Global Geopark Homework – general geopark informationO2- A3 I Nature Education Homework – specific nature education informationO2 – A4 I GeoExplorer Toolkit - Concept paperO2 – A5 I GeoExplorer Toolkit – Production- Young European GeoExplorer cross-curriculum activities and new teaching methodologies implementation (CLIL)O3 – A1 I Cross-curriculum material for pupilsO3 – A2 I Guideline for pupilsO3 – A3 I Cross-curriculum material for Geoparkmanagement and teachersO3 –A4 I Guideline for teachers and guidesO3 – A5 I Cross-curiculum connection- Recommendations for teachers, schools, Geoparks and national education systemO4 – A1 I Summery and clarifying recommendation for teachers and schoolsO4 – A2 I Summery and clarifying recommendation for GeoparksO4 – A3 I Summery and clarifying recommendation for national education systems<< Results >>The project GeoExplorer aims to improve the quality of teaching-learning in the high school system through an innovative learning approach that links natural science and language education through Content and Language Integrated Learning method in cross-curricular collaboration. That can happen in the class or nature of (UNESCO Global) Geoparks in theform of living labs for pupils, as being an innovative learning environment. The project will result in cooperation between stakeholders in local communities and abroad (UNESCO Geoparks, schools and project partners schools).To sum it up, the project is addressing the following target groups:- UNESCO Global Geoparks* on an international EU and worldwide level (166 Geoparks in 47 countries)- Natureparks* on a European level- Natureparks, Nationalparks* or other protected areas in Austria, Denmark, Norway and Slovenia- Stakeholders in the educational fields concerning natural science in each partner country- Additional secondary or other schools, their teachers and pupils in each partner country or part of other international Geoparks- Secondary or other schools (schools and teachers) in EU using Erasmus + Project Results Platform, the eTwinning portal and the School Education Gateway- National, regional and local authorities within the educational system in Austria, Denmark, Norway or Slovenia- Local communities including youngsters and adults involved in the partner schools- General and schools visitors of the partner's Geoparks- Other not yet identified decision-makers and stakeholders at local, regional, national and EU level who can benefit from our case and results- Press and media- General public*institutions, management and guides