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SPARK

“ASTRONOMY FOR THE YOUNGEST” – an educational STEM program in the field of astronomy and other related natural sciences – “Pilot project for the implementation of educational, cultural, and sports activities for preschool children and children from the 1st to the 4th grade of elementary school (SPARK).”

 

 

 

 

“Astronomy for the Youngest” is a workshop-based activity program in the City of Zagreb aimed at providing quality engagement for preschool children and students from the 1st to the 4th grade of elementary schools, as well as educating them in the fields of astronomy and other related natural sciences. The program will run from the end of September/October 2024 to June 2025 (9 months) and will involve Miroslav Krleža Elementary School and Ksaver Šandor Gjalski Elementary School in Zagreb, as well as the following kindergartens: DV Petar Pan, DV Siget, and DV Tatjana Marinić. A total of 101 children will participate (47 preschool children and 54 students from the 1st to the 4th grade of elementary schools).

The main activities include field trips and night sky observations, workshops, lectures, practical group work through play and education, and a visit to the Zagreb Observatory. The goal of the program is to reach as many preschool and early elementary school children as possible, introducing them to astronomy, which is one of the most engaging educational platforms for sparking interest in learning at a young age and guiding children toward the natural sciences. Astronomy itself is a very important segment of social life, as it promotes activities aimed at raising awareness of the nature that surrounds us.

The implementation of the program will contribute to the financial relief of parents through free programs and co-financing of transportation over an extended period. Since astronomy is not accessible to most children in kindergartens and elementary schools, this program aims to stimulate the participants’ interest in nature and the universe, as well as their creativity. The program will be conducted by staff from the Zagreb Observatory: Ivan Romštajn, Damir Hržina, Darije Maričić, and Filip Šterc, as well as three external collaborators: Ivana Matić, a mathematics and physics teacher; Snježana Horvatić, a geography teacher; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dalibor Paar.

“This project is being implemented with co-financing from the Ministry of Demography and Immigration and the City of Zagreb.”