Click here to download the application.

Click here to download the application.

Click here to download the application.

Click here to download the application.

Throughout the project, participants explored how science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics can be used to better understand and care for the environment. By combining coding, robotics, gardening, sustainability practices, renewable sources of energy models and creative problem-solving, the project empowered young learners to become active eco-innovators within their communities.

A central element of the project was the delivery of engaging STEM lessons that introduced participants to coding concepts, robotics, environmental science, and sustainable growing practices. Learners worked collaboratively to design and programme EcoBots (Microbits, Photon robotos sphero Robots, solar powered machines and models), while also discovering how technology can support greener living and environmental awareness. The sessions encouraged curiosity, experimentation, teamwork, and critical thinking, helping students build both technical and life skills in an enjoyable and meaningful way.

Alongside the STEAM learning activities, the project developed a thriving garden showcase that became a living example of sustainability in action. Participants planted, nurtured, and monitored the garden space while learning about biodiversity, healthy ecosystems, composting, and sustainable food production. The garden evolved into an inspiring educational environment where science and nature came together, allowing children to connect classroom learning with real-world environmental stewardship. The crops from the garden were also donated to a NGO: Fondazzjoni Nazzareth.

The project culminated in a vibrant 3-day Community Day celebration, which brought together families, educators, community members, and stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of the young EcoBot Explorers. During the event, participants took part in various STEAM workshops and proudly showcased their coding projects, robotics creations, and garden achievements through demonstrations, interactive displays, and collaborative activities. The Community Days highlighted the importance of community involvement in STEAM education and sustainability initiatives, while creating opportunities for shared learning and inspiration across generations.

An important legacy of the project will be the sharing of the educational lesson resources developed throughout the programme. These STEM lesson materials and activity resources will be made available to educators, supporting the continued promotion of innovative, sustainability-focused STEAM learning beyond the lifetime of the project. By providing accessible resources for schools and educators, the project aims to inspire future learners and encourage wider adoption of hands-on environmental STEAM education practices.

The success of EcoBot Explorers: Coding, Creating & Growing a Greener Future demonstrates the powerful impact of combining STEM education with environmental responsibility and community collaboration. The project has not only equipped participants with valuable technical and problem-solving skills, but also fostered a deeper appreciation for sustainability, teamwork, and active citizenship. A special thanks goes to the founder and project leader of the project, Sacred Heart Junior’s school STEM teacher -Mrs Chantelle Bartolo Cremona.

This project is part-financed by the National STEM Community Fund of Xjenza Malta, under whose remit operates the Esplora Interactive Science Centre, on behalf of the National STEM Engagement Working Group.

Resources for educators

Coding with Sphero Robots: Navigating an obstacle course, mixing primary colours, creating a food chain.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15GYDa08S6o0mpxYLtW5v0Tph2a8R2fXv/view?usp=sharing

Coding with microbits- Monitoring soil moisture and temperature

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Tr8rBwMfHWf45UvGwRO1vYC1Lnhzf8c/view?usp=sharing

Building solar powered models             

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10sVfGAPxIGq9HbxwfpSPi-Iyn26SgI5E?usp=sharing

Building a greenhouse

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lQuN2GTvfEjF7e4stOf9ZG38u2u0aSNk/view?usp=sharing

Coding Lessons with Photon

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ICKH8ErgZmsmc6UEmj7CsuEeEn-txfNq?usp=sharing

Gardening, germination, plant life cycle and biodiversity

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11-cwXCo2T9ob0XernR7Nkzv9AkATOgWi?usp=drive_link

The 5 R’s including water filtration and distillation

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AfU9FtSQnF-HzIsrgq9-1K8uOC-VroGC?usp=sharing

Last week concluded the after-school programme-“Power up your digital skills: Hands on with Robotics!”, attended by sixty students from Years 5, 6, and 7. The initiative sought to bolster digital literacy and innovation in these young learners through the practical application of robot programming.

This initiative could not have materialised without the generosity and collaboration of St Michael Schol Sta Venera and St Paul’s Missionary College Rabat, which opened their computer labs and resources to this programme.

The programme, designed by Mr Reuben Borg, Head of Department for Computing and ICT at the SfCE, and implemented by four dedicated tutors, went beyond basic computer literacy, focusing on 21st-century transversal skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. Students in fact engaged with block programming, digital word processing, and presentation skills within a project based approach with a problem-solving methodology which all students found  engaging and meaningful.

A primary goal of this collaboration was to foster ethical and responsible citizenship while advocating for accessibility and inclusion in the digital age. Both the SfCE and MDIA have expressed a mutual commitment to addressing the human implications of digital change, including privacy rights, dignity, and well-being. Notably, the programme took proactive steps to encouraging participation by girls by ensuring that an equal ratio of boys to girls were selected at registration phase.

During the last session, in addition to student presentations, parents attended an informative talk by the MDIA on online safety. The session offered researched, practical tips for maintaining a healthy digital balance, emphasizing the importance of relationships of trust and responsible oversight within the family structure. During the certificate presentation, each student identified the gap in their digital competence that was addressed by the sessions- these ranged from file management to presentation skills and some even mastered refined programming skills.

SFCE wishes to thank MDIA for its financial support but moreover for the strong collaborative and collegial spirit that made this project possible and for supporting the educational aims of the programme.