Suche
Mein Konto
Future Academy: Inspire young people with creative MINT projects!
On March 8, 2025, young people presented innovative MINT projects at the closing event of the Future Academy in the Fab Lab at the University of Siegen.
Future Academy: Inspire young people with creative MINT projects!
The closing event of the Future Academy took place on March 8, 2025 in the Fab Lab at the University of Siegen. The event is part of the innovative EnvironMINT project, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Ten participants aged 12 to 16 presented a variety of creative projects that drew brilliant conclusions from the combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and modern manufacturing technologies.
Ideas developed during the project included AI-generated stories combined with 3D printed models and interactive touch sensors. A central element of these projects was the programming of the sensors using the Calliope Mini microcontroller. The participants were able to present their concepts to the jury and guests within three minutes per group.
Innovative projects and awards
The projects were evaluated according to various criteria such as innovation, creativity, originality, technical implementation as well as the narrative structure and the visual and acoustic design. The outstanding achievements were recognized accordingly:
| Place | project | Participant | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Dawn of Tribes | Émile Julian Schneider | Calliope Mini Microcontroller |
| 2. | The Last Loaf | Dorothea Breichler | PLA filaments for 3D printing |
| 3. | A debt unpaid | David Fedorenko, Vladyslav Halevych | Arduino Uno microcontroller |
In addition, all participants received a certificate of participation and a personalized, laser-engraved badge and were able to take part in five different workshop modules. These included topics such as 3D printing and modeling, programming with Calliope Mini, sugar measurement with photometers, and storytelling with AI and interactive storytelling.
The path to STEM education
The Future Academy takes a participatory approach in which young people, parents, teachers and practitioners work together to develop STEM activities. This form of education promotes digital skills and strategic thinking. The Fab Lab Siegen, under the direction of Prof. Dr. Claudia Müller and the project manager Marios Mouratidis, has established itself as an important place for the creative discussion of MINT topics.
The need to arouse early interest in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology is supported by various institutions. Likeศึกษา and kinder-mint-bildung.de emphasize, the goal is to get children excited about technical and scientific topics at an early age and thus sustainably promote the development of skills. Project work and practical teaching increase the attractiveness of MINT subjects.
In this area of tension, a workshop in the Fab Lab on computer basics for young people should also be highlighted. This workshop, supported by SIEGENIA, allowed participants to gain practical skills by assembling their own computers and learning to clean and maintain them. Such practice-oriented educational offerings are essential for promoting MINT skills in a digital world.
The initiative and the programs implemented clearly show how important STEM education is. It not only opens up new perspectives for the young participants, but also makes a valuable contribution to social development.