Mini Educational Lab

Here, children and teachers learn and research together. The Mini Educational Lab sees itself not only as an external learning space that is specially tailored to the needs of three to six-year-olds, but also as a learning platform for all educational staff in elementary educational institutions. In the first year, 21 modules are offered, which can be booked by the educational staff of the elementary educational institutions for their kindergarten groups. By involving the children and taking their perspectives and interests into account, educators can shape learning processes together with the children and learn with and from each other.

Introducing children to STEM subjects in kindergarten | The earlier children are introduced to STEM subjects through play, the more natural it becomes for them to embark on a journey of discovery and learn independently. It is also intended to incorporate a sustainable, environmentally friendly and responsible way of thinking and acting into their everyday lives.

• Applying
  working techniques and applying what you have learned
• Basic skills
  Counting, recognizing differences, understanding work assignments, presenting results
• Categorize
  Collect different objects and creatures and assign them to categories such as color and shape
• Edit & change
  Change different objects in a targeted manner and thus make them usable or, of course, unusable
• Examine
  Examine various objects with all the senses and determine their properties
• Tools & aids
  Safe handling of simple tools and aids (pipettes, measuring tapes, rulers, magnifying glasses, etc.)

Individually bookable modules | The Mini Educational Lab offers 21 modules in the first year. They are assigned to the educational areas of mathematics, IT, science, technology and sustainability and selected in such a way that the children’s scientific and technical skills and competencies are promoted and improved. (Bookable via online platform)

• Mathematics
  Estimating, measuring, checking, documenting;
  Playful exploration of size, length, texture;
  Introduction to classification patterns and initial computer science exercises;
  Getting to know color theory and the number range 1-5;
  Encouraging problem solving and strategic thinking.
• Computer science
  Recognizing material properties and developing sorting strategies;
  Using a tablet, camera and USB magnifying glass;
  Simple programming with the Cubetto MINT Coding robot;
  Treasure hunt in the field to discover nature;
  Building and using a beaker magnifier.
• Natural sciences
  Try out mixing and separating processes, make a lava lamp;
  Recognize and learn about the properties of air;
  Use natural materials and try mixing paint for the first time;
  Deepen your knowledge of magnetism and electrical circuits.
• Sustainability
  Check the water content in plants and food;
  Understand the environmental impact of unsuitable products;
  Learn to sort and categorize objects;
  Understand the water cycle and how it affects waterways.
• Technology
  Enjoy experimenting and teamwork;
  Develop the use of simple tools and problem-solving skills;
  Learn to make sense of assumptions and control;
  Get to know and use a simple circuit;
  Implement ideas with tools and promote independent «working».

Discover all the activities of the Mini Educational Lab in Villach.

Discover more labs in the Educational Lab.