From Interdisciplinary Science to Girls Spark STEAM: Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

When we talk about Girls Spark STEAM, we are not only presenting a new initiative — we are continuing a long tradition of educational innovation and inclusion that started many years ago in classrooms across Finland.

The roots of this project go back to the early 2000s, when we began developing learning environments that encouraged curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. In Finland, I had the privilege to teach a course called Interdisciplinary Science, an optional subject that brought together students interested in understanding the world through multiple scientific perspectives. https://jackhassard.org/if-science-courses-were-optional-would-students-enroll/

A Course that Connected Science — and People

The idea behind Interdisciplinary Science was simple yet powerful: science should not be taught in isolation. Students were invited to see how biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental studies could interact to solve real-world problems. The course focused on investigative learning, where questions, experiments, and teamwork replaced memorization and rote instruction.

What surprised and delighted us most was how many girls chose to take this course. They brought enthusiasm, creativity, and strong social awareness to the classroom. They asked big questions — not only about how things work, but about how scientific discoveries affect communities, health, and the environment.

It quickly became clear that when given freedom, encouragement, and a sense of relevance, girls thrive in scientific settings. Their participation transformed the learning atmosphere: the classroom became more collaborative, discussions deeper, and projects more meaningful.

Reviving TekNatur: A National Stage for Young Innovators

Around that same time, Finland’s TekNatur competition — a national science and technology contest — was losing momentum. We saw an opportunity to connect our course to this competition and reignite its spirit. Students were encouraged to develop their own investigative projects and present them at TekNatur.

The results were beyond expectations. The girls who had joined Interdisciplinary Science became some of the most passionate participants. They designed projects on renewable energy, water purification, robotics, and even creative applications of art in technology. Their enthusiasm inspired other schools, and soon TekNatur became a lively national platform once again — a celebration of creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork.

Watching those young girls confidently presenting their projects before experts, educators, and policymakers was deeply moving. It confirmed that when learning is built on curiosity and inclusion, it can open doors not only to science, but to a lifelong sense of purpose and empowerment.

Lessons That Travel

Over the following years, we carried these ideas beyond Finland — adapting and applying them in different contexts, from Germany to Kenya. In every country, the same principle held true: girls engage deeply in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) when they can see themselves in it.

It is not enough to tell students that science is important. They need to experience it, to see how it connects to their own lives and communities. They need role models, mentors, and supportive teachers who believe in their potential.

Through these experiences, LET & Schooling Group VZW has developed a holistic educational philosophy — the Humanistic and Investigative Learning Environment (HILE) model — which combines inquiry-based learning with empathy, collaboration, and creativity. It provides a framework where every learner, regardless of background, can explore their curiosity and develop their talents.

Girls Spark STEAM: Continuing the Journey

Today, as we prepare to launch Girls Spark STEAM in Spain, we are building on all these experiences. The project aims to promote STEAM careers for girls across all school levels — from primary to upper secondary education.

Spain offers a unique and promising environment for this initiative. The Ministry of Education has already taken important steps through programs such as the STEAM Alliance for Female Talent, promoting gender equity in science and technology. There is strong public and private interest in building a more inclusive and future-oriented education system.

Through Girls Spark STEAM, we plan to collaborate with schools, teachers, and communities to create spaces where girls can explore, question, and innovate. The project will include:

• Hands-on workshops that encourage experimentation and creative problem-solving.

• Teacher training programs that equip educators to integrate inclusive and investigative STEAM practices.

• Mentorship initiatives connecting girls with female scientists, engineers, and artists.

• Community events and showcases to celebrate students’ achievements and share their ideas with families and the public.

Each activity will be grounded in the same spirit that guided the Interdisciplinary Science course and the TekNatur revival: learning that is open, joyful, and human-centered.

Building Confidence and Community

We know from experience that confidence in science doesn’t come from memorizing formulas — it grows from exploration, dialogue, and teamwork. For many girls, the key moment is when they realize that science is not about perfection but about curiosity. It’s about asking questions, making mistakes, and finding creative ways forward.

Girls Spark STEAM will aim to build this confidence at every stage of schooling. We want to create a continuous learning pathway that nurtures curiosity in primary school, strengthens critical thinking in secondary school, and supports career exploration in upper secondary levels.

We also want to build bridges between generations. Many of our mentors are women who once faced similar challenges in entering scientific fields. Their stories of persistence and success can inspire young learners to see science not as an abstract subject, but as a living, human endeavor.

A Shared Vision

At LET & Schooling Group VZW, promoting gender equity in education is more than a goal — it is part of who we are. Since 2003, we have seen how inclusive, humanistic education transforms not only classrooms but entire communities. Projects like Girls Spark STEAM remind us that innovation and empathy belong together.

By empowering girls to explore science through creativity and collaboration, we help shape a future where every learner’s potential can flourish.

As we bring this project to Spain, we carry with us the lessons of Finland’s Interdisciplinary Science classrooms, the excitement of TekNatur competitions, and the countless moments of discovery shared with students around the world.

When girls have the chance to spark their curiosity, they not only learn about the world — they begin to change it.

Because when girls spark STEAM, the whole world lights up.