Tangible Programming for Inclusion and STEM Promotion

TangIn Project | Tangible Programming for Inclusion and STEM Promotion

Young student’s skills development through the use of accessible concepts and activities of tangible programming

The TangIn project – Promoting inclusion and a STEM curriculum in schools via tangible programming concepts and activities, was designed to promote and enhance in the school context, the use of the new tools now available and the adoption of more attractive and inclusive pedagogical practices, reinforcing students’ motivation and interest. Children naturally play and discover with their hands. Tangible programming makes programming more accessible to children by using physical objects to make instructions more direct and less abstract.

Tangible programming is accessible and stimulating for all (students and teachers) regardless of their socio-economic background, gender, skills and knowledge or prior access to digital tools.

The project is co-founded by the European Union Erasmus+ program and brings together educational organizations and institutions in a consortium composed of partners from 4 different countries (Portugal, Spain, Latvia and Bulgaria) and is coordinated by the Portuguese company Carreira & Alegre Lda.

During the execution of the project, the following results are expected:

• Pedagogical framework to stimulate the use of programming concepts and the learning of STEM subjects targeted to 6-12-year-old children;
• Set of didactic resources and guidelines for teachers;
• Teacher training package.

On November 9th and 10th, 2017, the kick-off meeting for project was held in Matosinhos at INOVA + headquarters. At this meeting, the different partners were introduced, and the action plan, main tasks and implementation strategy was discussed.

Researchers, teachers, school principals, students and policy makers will play an important role in the implementation of the project and their collaboration will be essential for its success. The consortium intends to involve other organizations and individuals, including schools, teachers, research institutes and universities.

If you are interested in participating in the TangIn project or if you would like additional information, you can do so by contacting Pedro Costa at pedro.costa@inovamais.pt.