Day 4

Tartu Science Centre AHHAA

ahhaa.ee/en

We started the day at the Tartu Science Centre AHHAA with Enely Ernits who has introduced us to it. AHHAA was established as a special project of the University of Tartu in 1997 and in 2011, AHHAA’s brand-new building opened in Tartu. AHHAA’s slogan is the expression that we get when playing with its exhibitions and other science events. The aim of Science Centre AHHAA is to introduce science to everyone and encourage studying through the joy of discovery. In addition to trying out numerous ´hands-on´ exhibits and various exhibitions, visitors of AHHAA can also take part in workshops, enjoy the planetarium and science theatre shows. It also offers several special programmes for schools. AHHAA welcomes visitors of all ages and offers a great opportunity to spend a fun day filled with science like we did as children.

Tartu Loodusmaja

tartuloodusmaja.ee/en

Next, we moved to Tartu Loodusmaja (Nature House, in English), where Eva Puusaar was waiting for us. She is the Head of the programme that encourages young people to discover science and engineering in the surrounding society. She works for the Estonian Research Centre https://etag.ee/en/. She has also presented the STEM studies through informal learning that the Estonian government is doing to improve the system of education and link it to the professional world.

One of the most relevant STEM projects is “Rocket69”, an educational scientific entertaining TV contest for young people to show that STEM can be fun and addressed to everyone, while offering excitement and new knowledge. (https://vimeo.com/695149008/d2062ba476). 15 contestants are chosen and the casting process makes up the 1st episode of the show. All assignments demand creativity, theoretical scientific knowledge and ability to use it in practices.

Later on, Pille-Riin Pärnsalu, a STEM teacher at Tartu Nature House, introduced STEAM programmes and activities that take place at Tartu Loodusmaja. We enjoyed the building, its different rooms where students learn using both their hands and whole body.