FULL STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) is a unique opportunity for professional educators to learn from Finnish experts innovative Skills and Methodologies for teaching STEAM.
We are delighted to partner with the Educational and Cultural Services, City of Oulu to provide school administrators and teachers from around the world interested in improving their STEAM teaching practice, with a STEAM teaching training program in the self-proclaimed STEAM capital of the world –the City of Oulu.
Students that are now in primary education will be in working life still in 2060. What skills do you think would be needed then? We can not know for sure, but STEAM pedagogy is one potential answer when trying to prepare children for an unpredictable future. Read the course leader’s blog post about the importance of teaching steam skills.
Join us and enhance your STEAM teaching skills and methodologies in an innovative network of experts and schools from early childhood education, basic education, and upper secondary school, where STEAM learning and teaching are being developed.
The course is organized by Educational and Cultural Services, City of Oulu and VisitEDUfinn Ltd. We both have a track record of organizing educational events with the Quality Standards for courses under Key Action 1 as required by the European Commission, suitable for teachers with ERASMUS+ grant. `
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education in Finland is based on the National Curriculum. STEAM in OULU is student-centered, experimental, and community-based learning platform that improves a school’s operating culture from the perspective of doing and learning together.
There is an extensive network of STEAM schools in Oulu and STEAM pedagogy is used to develop not only learning but also the whole operational culture of the schools. Steam skills development can be seen throughout the city: even many kindergartens are involved as well as university of Oulu, and companies in the region. Come and experience the full STEAM in Oulu!
The fundamental purpose of Full STEAM in Finland, Oulu is to experience in practice how STEAM skills teaching and learning can be integrated to the daily school life.
During this seven-day course, the participants familiarize themselves with the basics of the Finnish Curriculum and gain insight into transversal skills in the Finnish Curriculum. The course concentrates on STEAM pedagogy. It introduces the fundamentals as well as presents the design circle that is the basis for planning, teaching and learning, and assessment in a STEAM-inspired learning environment.
The participants visit several schools to see how STEAM pedagogy is implemented in different ways. During the school visits, the participants can also practice some tools that are used in STEAM pedagogy such as programming and coding and 3D designing and printing. The course also includes visits to the science center Tietomaa as well as a visit to FabLab operated by the city of Oulu.
After the course you will:
Tentative program for Full STEAM in Finland, Oulu – Please note that changes are possible.
Arrival
15:00 –17:00 Venue:Scandic Station Oulu
Self-study: Online materials: Finnish Education system (4h)
Venue: Business Asema
9.00-11.00 Finnish education system
11.00-12.00 Lunch
12:00-15:00 STEAM in OULU: introduction to STEAM pedagogy
Self-study: Online materials (STEAM), 2h
9:00-11:00
11:00 Lunch
Afternoon program:
8:30 Transportation from the City Centre
9:00-12:00 School Visit to Laanila Comprehensive school
12:00 Transportation to the City Centre
Afternoon: Winter Day in Koiteli
8:30 Transportation from the City Centre
9:00-11:00 Programming and Coding in STEAM curricula
11:00-12:00 School Lunch
12:00-15:00 Workshop at the Maker’s Space with Micro:Bits and Lego Robots
15:00 Transportation to the City Centre
8:30 Transportation from the City Centre
9:00-11:00 Design thinking at Hintta School
11:00-12:00 School Lunch
12:00-15:00 Workshop at the Maker’s Space with 3d design and modelling
15:00 Transportation to the City Centre
9:00-11:00 Course certificates
11:00-12:00 Course Brunch
13:00-16:00 : Magical Finnish Forest with Short Skis
16:00 -19:00 : Experience the authentic Finnish sauna in a different way – in a tent sauna on the frozen sea ice!
9:00-11:00 Optional Cultural Program: Exploring the Oulujoki river delta area on fat bikes.
Spread the word about this course among your colleagues!
Registration
All registrations must be done using the online registration form. The course is confirmed so you would need to pay your participation either by credit card or bank transfer. If you want to send a group, but you don’t know yet all participants’ names, it is possible to add them to the registration form like this:
participant 1, participant 2, etc.
Prices
(Read more about grants and other options for financial support.)
Course fee 660€ (excluding Finnish VAT 24%. For VAT exemption, you need to register as a representative/employee of a company, school or organization.)
Price includes
The meal package (110€ excl. VAT) is obligatory and it includes:
Erasmus+ grant holders
VisitEDUfinn’s OID code is E10020922, and the PIC code is 899855324. Full STEAM in Finland, Oulu is listed in School Education Gateway. Read more about the VisitEDUfinn’s Erasmus+ staff mobility opportunities.
Payments
The options are
After the course is confirmed, we will send the invoice with the necessary information. The participant should assume all the bank transaction fees.
Please note that all payments must be made in advance and in euros (€).
Cancellation policy
Cancellation by participant
All cancellations must be made by email to info@visitedufinn.com. If you do not cancel your participation at all, you will be charged the full fee. For cancellations received by 31 December 2022, the paid registration fee will be refunded. No refunds will be made for cancellations made after this date. Please note that a processing fee of 50€ (excl. VAT) will be deducted from all refunds. If unable to attend, the registered person may substitute someone else from the same organization by sending a notification to info@visitedufinn.com.
Cancellation by VisitEDUfinn
In case the course is cancelled due to COVID-19 or a similar situation, all the payments will be refunded without any processing fee. VisitEDUfinn is not responsible for any damage caused by the cancellation and strongly recommends purchasing flexible flight tickets and accommodation.
Invitation letters
VisitEDUfinn will write invitation letters only after the full payment. If the participant cannot get a visa and sends evidence about the rejected visa application, VisitEDUfinn will refund the paid amount. However, 100€ (excl. VAT) will be deducted as an administrative fee.
Any questions about the registration or payments? Please contact info@visitedufinn.com.
MAIKKI MANNINEN
Ms. Maikki Manninen (Advisory Teacher for ICT Education) is both a class teacher and early education and care teacher. Her expertise lies eg. in ICT and STEAM education at the primary and secondary levels.
Her working tasks include training and consultation on ICT especially according to the Finnish core curricula and the local strategies for both ICT and STEAM education.
Ms. Manninen is also experienced in development projects funded by the Finnish National Agency for Education eg. on innovative learning environments.
EEMELI ALANNE
Eemeli Alanne (Master of Arts in Education) works as an advisory teacher for entrepreneurship education in the City of Oulu. Eemeli is an education professional with a special focus on entrepreneurship, working life readiness and sustainability. He loves learning new things and applying the theory into practice. He holds degrees in hospitality management, education & globalization and currently is doing MBA in leading sustainable growth. He has worked with NGOs in the field as well as the public sector. He has worked with thousands of students from 3rd graders to adults to understand entrepreneurship better. He has developed learning materials and facilitated events for hundreds of people. Eemeli thinks entrepreneurship is a learning process and a mindset.
Eemeli is energetic and passionate about the things he does. Working with him is not only about talking, it’s about doing, which is at the core of entrepreneurial behaviour.
Essi Vuopala, Rajakylä Comprehensive School
Essi Vuopala, PhD, is an assistant manager in Rajakylä comprehensive school. She has been developing STEAM-pedagogy at the university of Oulu as part of teacher education and Learning, Education and technology master’s degree programme, and most recently in the context of primary- and secondary education. Her interests deal especially with collaborative learning and problem solving, and learning skills such as regulation, collaboration and use of ICT as part of STEAM-pedagogy.
Matti Ahola, Hintta Primary School
Matti Ahola is the principal of Hintta primary school. He has worked previously as a class teacher and since 2016 as a principal. Matti has three focus areas for leadership: well-being at work, leadership through coaching and teaching development. STEAM is core part of Hintta school’s daily activities and Hintta is Finland’s first official design school. Matti’s motto is learning by mistakes, which fits perfectly both at home and at work.
Paula Vorne
Ms. Paula Vorne (Master of Education) is a Primary School Teacher and Early Child Childhood Education Teacher who’s working as a Project Manager in the City of Oulu. Her expertise is in the field of pedagogical development and STEAM pedagogy. Her tasks as Project Manager consists of coordinating the STEAM in Oulu network, training and coordinating the extension of compulsory education. In her previous work Ms. Vorne developed the model for Tutor Teachers in the City of Oulu. She also has a lot of experience in training teachers and principals in topics such collaborative teaching and learning, deep learning, ICT and STEAM.
VisitEDUfinn (OID CODE: E10020922 / PIC CODE: 899855324) organises ERASMUS+ Staff Mobility job shadowing and professional courses designed for teachers at all levels. Our programs are organized in different parts of Finland in cooperation with other stakeholders in the field of education (schools, universities, municipalities).
All the courses are designed following the Quality Standards for courses under Key Action 1 and participants are provided with certificates that meet the Europass criteria.
Course title: Full STEAM in Finland, Oulu
Course description
During this seven-day course, the participants familiarize themselves with the basics of the Finnish Curriculum and gain insight into transversal skills in the Finnish Curriculum. The course concentrates on STEAM pedagogy. It introduces the fundamentals as well as presents the design circle that is the basis for planning, teaching and learning, and assessment in a STEAM-inspired learning environment. The participants visit several schools to see how STEAM pedagogy is implemented in different ways. During the school visits, the participants can also practice some tools that are used in STEAM pedagogy such as programming and coding and 3D designing and printing.
Versatile learning methods
Desired learning outcomes
After the course you will:
European/ International dimension
We wait participants from many European countries as well as from outside Europe. Sharing ideas together with colleagues from different countries offers a broader perspective on the topic. The course is also a great opportunity for networking for future collaboration.
An additional program (with separate fee) will be available for all enthusiasts. Participation is entirely voluntary, and the time can instead be used to independent sightseeing as well.
All optional activities emphasize enjoying Finland’s unique nature. Like STEAM pedagogy connects different subjects, the tranquility of nature helps distinct brain areas to become ‘connected’.
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, MARCH 22: Winter Day in Koiteli
Welcome to Koiteli located by river Kiiminkijoki to spend a wonderful winter day in a good company! Word Koiteli comes from Sami language and means “in the middle”. You get to enjoy fun snow activities in an island located in the middle of two rapids. Beautiful surroundings, ancient trees and the silence surrounding you will give you the feeling of being also in the center of yourself. Snow activities include short try outs of different kind of snowshoes, traditional kick sledge ‘potkuri’ and sledge ‘pulkka’. In Tunnelmatupa hut everyone will have the chance to make their own souvenir out of wood, leather and pine wood tar. On top of these you will get to know the well-known arctic animal; reindeer and hear the stories of local reindeer herder. And of course everyone will experience a short ride in a sledge pulled by the reindeer.
Group will be divided into smaller groups that rotate between the activities. Small snack with warm juice/coffee/tea is served.
Duration: about 4 hours including transfers from Oulu, ½ hour one way
Price: 114€/person including transfers, all the activities mentioned in the program, services of English speaking guides, small snack with warm juice/coffee/tea served non-stop during the whole program, winter gear (overall, gloves, hat, wollen socks and winter boots; size infos needed in advance). Minimum 20 participants.
SATURDAY, MARCH 25:
AFTERNOON:
Magical Finnish Forest with Short Skis
Join us to explore the magical snowy Finnish forest on a pair of purpose-built skis – no previous experience needed.
Short ski is an easy-to-use, skin based forest ski that combines the best features of a snowshoe and ski and does not require earlier experience in skiing.
We will enjoy a peaceful ski tour through the silent white scenery. Your guide will tell you stories about local history and the vast surrounding nature. The trip includes a cozy break for hot juice.
EVENING:
Authentic Finnish Sauna Experience on Sea Ice
Sauna is an essential part of Finnish culture. There are more than 3 million saunas in Finland – in private homes, offices, summer cottages, hotels, towable trailers – you name it!
Now you have the opportunity to experience a sauna in a unique way in a tent sauna set up on sea ice. The tent has two parts: dressing room and sauna. Wearing a swimsuit is mandatory and you can put it on already at the hotel.
Our guide will tell you how sauna takes place. The guide takes care of adding wood to the stove and making warm washing water. Sauna involves throwing water on the stove, which creates warm, moist steam. When it feels too hot, you can cool off outside on the ice and even go for a spin in the snow!
SUNDAY, MARCH 26
If you are still in Oulu on Sunday morning, you can say goodbye to the city by winter cycling in the Oulujoki river delta area.
Time and duration: Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 9-11 AM. Duration 2 hours.
Starting point: Oulu Market Square. Detailed instructions will be informed to the participants.
Included: fatbike, helmet, guide, warm juice.
The main venue of the course, Business Asema, is located in the city center of Oulu. There will be transportation to schools and other visit places that are not within walking distance.
The City of Oulu is the capital of northern Finland.
Oulu is located by the Gulf of Bothnia, at the mouth of Oulu River, about 600 km north of the capital city Helsinki. The name Oulu comes from a word in the Sami language meaning floodwater. The city of Oulu combines Northern hospitality, nature and culture with modern technology. Oulu has over 200 000 inhabitants, and its investment in education, research and innovation makes it the fastest growing region in Finland. Oulu has been designated the European Capital of Culture in 2026.
How to get there
Despite its northern location, Oulu is well connected to the rest of the world. Oulu airport is the second busiest in Finland, and there are several connective flights every day from Helsinki.
Train
Oulu is easily reachable by train as well with 10 daily connections from Helsinki. It is an economical and sustainable option. There are two night trains available every day, and the trains during the daylight offer a good opportunity to see more of Finland. Oulu railway station is located in the city center, walking distance from most hotels. Visit VR for more information.
How to get from the airport to city center
City busses, routes 8 and 9, run daily from early morning to late night via Oulu city centre to Oulu Airport. Travel time from city centre to airport is approximately 25-30 minutes on both routes.
Name of the Oulu Airport bus stop is Lentoasema (ID-number 2646). The bus stop is located right in front of the airport terminal.
In Oulu city centre name of the bus stop is Kaupungintalo E (ID-number 2087) when travelling to airport and Kaupungintalo P (ID-number 2101) when arriving at city centre.
Adult ticket is 5,80€
Read more about public transport in Oulu.
TAXI
Normal Taxi: The price from the airport to the city center is approx. 40€
Finnish taxis are reliable and accept credit cards. The following taxi companies operate in Oulu:
Car rentals
All major car rentals have an office in Oulu for those interested in traveling around the surrounding areas by themselves.
Weather in Oulu
In March, the average maximum daytime temperature lies around -1.0°C . So it is still cold, but the brightness of the days invites you to enjoy the spring. In addition to new technologies, outdoor activities play an important role in the everyday life of Finnish school children and in the lifestyle of Finns in general (just to bear in mind when choosing your clothing). Please visit the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s website for updated news on weather in Rovaniemi.
Language
The official languages in Finland are Finnish and Swedish, but practically everyone knows basic English; especially the people involved in tourism speak excellent English. Course language is English.
Currency
The Finnish currency unit is the Euro. There are numerous cash machines (ATMs) open around the clock and accepting all major credit cards. Besides, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted almost everywhere (hotels, restaurants, shops, taxis, cafeterias, bars, etc.).
Voltage
The electric current in Finland is 230V, 50Hz. Plugs are two-pin continental size.
Time
The time in Finland is UTC/GMT+2
For additional information about THE COURSE, REGISTRATION AND PAYMENTS, please contact:
VisitEDUfinn Ltd.
Ensi Linja 1
00530 Helsinki, Finland
Tel. +358 50 41 28 179
Email: info@visitedufinn.com
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Unique educational conference setup – Visit Finnish schools and job shadow teachers by the Arctic Circle.
Ms. Rauhala (B.A.) is an educational sciences student at the University of Turku with studies also in the fields of psychology, business and HR, and sociology. As an education major, she is passionate about lifelong learning and the Finnish education system. She believes in change through education. In addition, Ms. Rauhala loves to learn new languages. She completed an Erasmus + university exchange in Spain as a part of her studies and wants to work toward everyone getting international learning opportunities. Ms. Rauhala is working for VisitEDUfinn part-time while finishing her studies.
Contact:
melina.rauhala@visitedufinn.com
