MINTtheGAP

As part of the STEM transfer concept to be developed, female students with an affinity for STEM will be introduced to current research results and processes on environmental and climate topics as well as innovative environmental technologies in an authentic context during an early active orientation phase for choosing a course of study. The socially and environmentally highly relevant topic of air quality is used as an example. By specifically addressing the environmental interests and motivations of schoolgirls and integrating female identification figures - the project takes place in intensive cooperation and social exchange between the schoolgirls and female scientists from both TROPOS and the IZT - intrinsic interest is to be awakened and even activated and sustainably strengthened.

Firstly, the pupils are given in-depth knowledge of current results and methods as well as ways of thinking and working in air quality research to provide a factual foundation for their existing interest, which is predominantly characterised by emotions. The aim is to inspire schoolgirls to study STEM subjects such as applied computer science, applied mathematics and data science, physics or environmental engineering, as well as study programmes that combine STEM skills and environmental issues. The in-depth insight into the STEM field of work is based on a concrete practical example by promoting or developing skills and abilities such as measurement technology and analytics. A multimedia transfer concept is being developed for this purpose, which will be transferable to other STEM fields.

The social contextualisation should be explicitly addressed. More and more STEM professions are related to current and social issues and have great potential to develop solutions for major social challenges such as climate change and the energy, mobility and food transition. Women in particular want to know in which specific areas they can apply their specialist knowledge later on and are particularly interested in application-related interdisciplinary degree programmes. With this in mind, the project team is taking an extended interdisciplinary approach to developing both STEM and social science skills.

In terms of content, the project contributes to the creation of innovations in the learning sciences by linking STEM to socially relevant topics and developing and providing suitable digital learning materials. The transfer modules consist of a modular (digital) learning platform, learning stations, practical workshops to impart technical and methodological knowledge and field phases as well as various event formats. The digital toolbox includes the transfer methods/tools required to implement the modules in order to ultimately achieve the desired effectiveness. For example, by using self-assessment and success feedback tools, the students receive information about their interest profile and their individual skills development in the STEM and social science fields. The use of innovative methods and formats can support rapid familiarisation with the topic and measurement technology as well as handling etc. and also serves to consolidate the transfer and sustainable utilisation of the project results. The STEM transfer concept is easy to adapt and can be easily transferred to other topics and target groups thanks to its modular structure. The digital tools are self-explanatory and therefore optimised for self-learning. In addition, individual modules are to be made permanently available via STEM platforms such as MINT-Campus.