The Places of Empowerment science education project has begun with pilot workshops aimed at elementary school students. Based on the applied learning methods tested in the workshops, the project is developing an open digital learning resource that teachers can use in subjects such as environmental studies, visual arts, physical education, history, or mother tongue education. The learning material serves as a tool for humanities-based science education, promoting awareness and understanding of fields like ethnology and onomastics.
The first workshops have been held in schools across Helsinki. Additionally, workshops will be organized this fall in Vantaa, and next year in Kotka and Lahti. The project’s regional partner museums have assisted in reaching out to interested schools and coordinating the workshop schedules. Next spring, workshops are also planned to take place in museum spaces.
In the workshops, students in grades 3–6 have explored important places to them through movement improvisation, painting, and map-making workshops. The workshops and teaching methods are continuously developed based on feedback from both students and teachers.