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On May 13, 2024, students from Carinthia’s STEM schools gathered at Lakeside Park to present their research projects in the fields of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and technology under the theme «STEM Fair: Showing What We Can Do.»
The STEM schools have explored a wide range of research questions, pushing the boundaries of knowledge in fascinating ways. From the dynamics of a volcanic eruption to the fascinating question of what today’s eco-friendly factory looks like, the students have cultivated their curiosity and skills as part of their classroom instruction. The fair provided a platform to present their discoveries to an enthusiastic audience and was recognized by a panel of experts.
The event featured a total of eight STEM schools from across Carinthia with 24 stations, with each school sending three teams. The focus was not only on presenting results, but also on the process of independent research and development. From formulating a research question and developing hypotheses to presenting experiments and prototypes, the students gained insight into the world of science.
Bernhard Lamprecht, managing director of Lakeside Park, emphasized the importance of the Educational Lab in fostering interest in STEM from elementary school through high school. The STEM fair highlighted the success of the Educational Lab as an educational incubator that helps inspire young people to pursue education and research and develop subject matter experts for the future.
The Educational Innovation Lab (EIL) at Lakeside Park supports educational innovators in developing, organizing, testing, documenting, and disseminating their ideas. Through a structured support process, innovations are supported at every stage of the development process, with a particular focus on documenting, evaluating, and disseminating the results.
Martin Krenn, a teacher and the mastermind behind the STEM Fair, praised the students’ enthusiasm and keen interest in research and discovery. The event impressively demonstrated how independently even young people can formulate research questions and the passion with which they become researchers. A big thank you also goes to the dedicated teachers who support the children as mentors.
Starting in the 2022–23 school year, the Federal Ministry is introducing a pilot program focused on STEM education in schools, which includes a dedicated curriculum with additional STEM classes. This enables students to engage with current challenges such as climate change, resource management, digitalization, and new technologies.
The 2024 MINT Fair at Lakeside Park was an inspiring showcase of the talents and enthusiasm of the younger generation for science and technology. This event underscores the importance of educational institutions and initiatives that nurture students’ potential and curiosity to prepare them for the challenges of the future.
The MINT Fair was supported and funded as a project within the EIL4MINT Educational Innovation Lab at the Educational Lab.
Organization & Info
Verbundmodell Praxismittelschule (PMS) der Pädagogischen Hochschule Kärnten
BIKO mach MINT
Martin Krenn
martin.krenn@pms-phk.at
Impressions