Learning activities to produce responsible digital communicators

The Develop STEM skills using cross-curricular teaching pathways online course first ran on EU Academy between May and June 2025, and is still available in self-paced format.  

Participants explored how to design learning pathways that link STEM concepts with other disciplines. These pathways equipped teachers with the knowledge and strategies needed to enable give pupils the skills to engage with real-world problems from diverse perspectives, to help understand the world around them.  

The learning activities linked below offer valuable ideas and inspiration to teachers who want to integrate STEM skills in a cross-curricular way.  

The learning activities have been reviewed and curated by the course coordinator. A big thank you to the authors:  

Aranzazu Calvo Duran, Eirini Anastasiadou, Funda Altıntaş, Ildikó Egyed, Miguel Angel Frias, Vassiliki Koutsokera 

• Age group:  Primary, Upper primary, Lower and Upper secondary education
• Subjects: all
• Published by: European School Education Platform
• Year: 2025
• Languages available: English  

Exploring children’s rights through storytelling, play and city design  

Age category: 6–7 years

Anna Shvets / Pexels 

In this project, pupils (aged 6–7 years) explored the topic of children’s rights through age-appropriate stories and interactive, hands-on activities. The teacher introduced key concepts and supported pupils in reflecting on fairness, needs and responsibilities.  

As part of the project, pupils designed and built models of ideal cities, incorporating what they had learned. They used technology to research and present their ideas, fostering creativity and digital skills.  

Author: Aránzazu Calvo Durán 

Download the activity ‘Children's rights and STE(A)M’  

Creating music with recycled materials and imagination 

Age category: 11–13 years

Ron Lach / Pexels 

Pupils (aged 8–9 years) worked collaboratively to design and construct musical instruments using recycled materials. Using a project-based learning approach, the activity integrated scientific exploration of sound, environmental awareness and opportunities for artistic expression. The teacher supported pupils in investigating how different materials produce sound, and encouraged creative experimentation.  

The project concluded with a pupil-led music festival performance, where pupils showcased their handmade instruments.  

Author: Vasiliki Koutsokera 

Download the activity ‘Recycling music festival – Creating instruments from recycled materials’  

Designing paper fashion through creativity and cooperation 

Age category: 7–11 years  

cottonbro studio / Pexels 

In this project, pupils (aged 7–11 years) worked in pairs to design and create individual clothing items using crepe paper, within the supportive and inspiring environment of the support room.  

Using a hands-on, creative process, pupils measured, planned, selected colours, glued and decorated their garments, developing both design thinking and basic mathematical skills. The activity emphasized creativity, body awareness and cooperation.  

Author: Ildikó Egyed  

Download the activity ‘Crepe fashion - Clothing design in the support room’ 

Investigating climate change and ocean life through research and podcasting 

Age category: 12–16 years

Seej Nguyen / Pexels 

Through research, discussion and collaborative learning, pupils aged 12–16 explored the impact of climate change on oceans and marine life. They examined the scientific, environmental and human dimensions of climate change, deepening their understanding of this global issue. The project encouraged connections between human behaviour and environmental responsibility.  

As a final outcome, participants created a four-minute podcast using AI tools to summarise their findings − fostering digital literacy, creativity and communication skills.  

Author: Funda Altıntaş 

Download the activity ‘Podcasts with AI about climate change’  

Tackling noise pollution for a healthier school environment 

Age category: 16 years 

Dany Kurniawan / Pexels 

In this project, pupils learned about the high levels of noise pollution at their school and became aware of its harmful health effects. A study was conducted to raise awareness about this issue and ensure it is addressed. The goal was to understand the problems that noise pollution poses to human health and to develop strategies to mitigate it.  

By engaging in this project, pupils gained knowledge about the impact of noise pollution and learn ways to create a healthier school environment, fostering both environmental awareness and proactive health measures. 

Author: Miguel Ángel Frías Gallardo 

Download the activity ‘Noise pollution at school’ 

Exploring soil health through STEM and real-world inquiry 

Age category: 17–18 years 

Julia Filirovska / Pexels 

In this project, pupils examined soil composition, learned how organisms contribute to soil health and measured soil properties like pH and moisture. Through both indoor and outdoor activities, they engaged in the STEM approach to empathise with and define real-world problems, addressing various dilemmas.  

Hands-on experiments and real-world applications enhance their understanding of the critical role soil plays in ecosystems, agriculture and sustainability. This interdisciplinary learning fostered environmental awareness and promoted a deeper appreciation of soil health. 

Author: Eirini Anastasiadou 

Download the activity ‘Let's STEM with soil health’