The Explore Interactive Science Center today launched its educator program for the 2024-2025 school year. This program will offer a vast set of resources, workshops, and interactive experiences designed specifically for both educators and students. Designed to complement the national curriculum, this year’s program will provide new opportunities to foster a love of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among students, while giving empowering teachers through innovative teaching methods and hands-on activities.
Minister Clifton Grima said, “This program is part of our work for more students to choose STEAM subjects, and one of the main goals of Esplora is to encourage students to choose more of these subjects. This is also a program that implements what is in the National Strategy for Education, which also emphasizes digital literacy and the professional development of educators.”
The Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti reiterated, “Science education not only gives knowledge, but it arouses curiosity and teaches us to appreciate how science touches their daily lives. This program is being launched because we believe that the love for learning must be instilled in our students from an early age.”
This year’s program offers a series of new workshops designed to align with the national curriculum, ensuring that the content not only engages students but also supports and enhances the learning outcomes set by the schools.
Esplora will continue to provide professional development sessions for teachers, with an emphasis on practical teaching techniques and the integration of digital literacy in the classroom.
Key themes for this year include sustainability, digital innovation, and STEM career pathways, ensuring students gain relevant and future-focused knowledge that connects directly to issues and real world opportunities.
Schools are being invited to bring their students to Esplora for interactive visits, where they can explore exhibits and participate in experiments that bring science to life.
Along with the launch, Esplora is offering an Exclusive Membership Card for educators at the price of €10 only. This membership gives educators free access to Esplora, including all thematic educational events, from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025. Free access covers the educator, one additional adult , and two children. This is a unique opportunity for teachers to bring their families closer to science and discovery.
During the launch event, Olaf McKay, Director of Esplora, emphasized the collaborative nature of the Educator Programme. “At Esplora, we are very committed to supporting educators by providing innovative and hands-on resources that improve classroom learning. We believe that education is a journey of discovery, and our goal is to empower teachers to inspire curiosity and critical thinking in their students. With this year’s programme, we are aiming to make science accessible, exciting and relevant for students of all ages”, said Olaf McKay.
The Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Education, Matthew Vella said, “Educators do not only offer knowledge, but open doors to new horizons. Such programs will empower educators to go beyond traditional teaching methods, and help students explore various concepts in an interactive environment. The interactive and practical approach offered by Esplora brings science and innovation to life. This complements what the educators are teaching in the classrooms, and offers students an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in an engaging and practical way.”
Esplora encourages all educators to take advantage of the diverse opportunities offered through this program and use the resources offered to bring STEM subjects to life.
For more information about the 2024-2025 Educators Program or about the Exclusive Educators Membership Card, one can visit the site www.esplora.org .
