The second mobility of the Erasmus+ KA210 project “Time to Transform with Modern Education” successfully took place in São João da Madeira, Portugal, bringing together students and teachers from Portugal, Italy (Sicily), and Türkiye. Coordinated by Agrupamento de Escolas Dr. Serafim Leite, the mobility welcomed 9 Portuguese students, (36 students overall) 3 students and 3 teachers from Sicily, 6 students and 3 teachers from Antalya (Türkiye), and 2 students and 2 teachers from the NGO EISA – European Innovative Society Association (Türkiye).
This five-day mobility focused on STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), promoting innovative teaching approaches, hands-on learning, creativity, and international collaboration.
The programme began with a warm welcome at Agrupamento de Escolas Dr. Serafim Leite, followed by student presentations that encouraged intercultural exchange and communication skills. Icebreaking activities using virtual reality headsets helped create an engaging and inclusive learning environment from the very first day. Scientific exploration took centre stage with maker activities such as building 3D cell models using recycled and artistic materials, combining science with creativity and environmental awareness. Later, students carried out a practical laboratory activity, extracting DNA from fruit, making abstract biological concepts tangible and memorable.
On the second day, sustainability and technology were highlighted through an eco-activity promoted by “The Little Scientists” project, encouraging students to reflect on environmental responsibility through scientific inquiry. A visit to Viarco, a traditional Portuguese pencil factory, offered a real-world example of how science, engineering, design, and history intersect in industry. In the afternoon, students participated in a 3D printing workshop, where they designed digital objects and followed the entire process from concept to printed model, which they proudly kept as souvenirs of their learning experience.
Cultural discovery was also an essential part of the mobility. A full-day visit to Aveiro allowed participants to explore Portuguese heritage through a moliceiro boat trip, visits to Costa Nova and the lighthouse, and a traditional ovos moles factory, reinforcing the connection between culture, craftsmanship, and local innovation.
Advanced technological skills were developed on the fourth day through a hologram creation challenge. Students created physical models that were transformed using AI tools, 3D modelling software (Blender), and holographic visualization, showcasing how emerging technologies can be integrated into education. This was followed by a robotics challenge in the school’s electronics and mechanics labs, where students experimented with simple programming, robot movement, and problem-solving in a collaborative setting.
The mobility concluded with a visit to the Hat Museum of São João da Madeira, symbolizing the link between tradition, design, and modern industry. During the final session, participants reflected on their learning journey, and certificates were awarded, marking the successful completion of the mobility. A group dinner provided a final opportunity to strengthen friendships and celebrate shared achievements.
The final day included a visit to Porto, where students and teachers explored the city’s historic centre, Ribeira, and the Porto wine cellars, enriching their cultural understanding of Portugal.
Overall, this Erasmus+ mobility demonstrated how STEAM-based activities, combined with intercultural exchange and experiential learning, can motivate students, develop key 21st-century skills, and transform education into an engaging, inclusive, and forward-looking experience – and form memories that will last a lifetime.
