Geosciences at the Core of STEM Learning: Highlights from the 2024 Măgurele Summer School

The Măgurele Science and Technology Summer School (MSciTeh) is an annual initiative dedicated to advancing STEM education with a strong emphasis on geosciences, organized through a collaboration of leading research institutes, universities, and NGOs. Participants, including STEM pre-university teachers and undergraduate students pursuing a didactic career path, engaged in diverse activities that balanced theoretical learning with hands-on applications. The program was structured around two main components: fieldwork activities and visits to advanced research infrastructures. 

Fieldwork activities emphasized Romania’s unique geological heritage, with participants visiting the Buzău Land UNESCO Geopark to study geological formations such as active mud volcanoes and analyze processes like erosion and sedimentation in natural environments. These field experiences allowed participants to connect geoscience concepts to real-world phenomena, deepening their understanding of Earth’s dynamic processes and their implications for environmental sustainability. Complementing these field explorations, participants also engaged in research infrastructure visits and laboratory-based workshops providing insights into cutting-edge scientific tools and techniques used in Earth Science monitoring and research. These visits highlighted the role of state-of-the-art research infrastructures in addressing global challenges such as natural hazard mitigation and climate resilience. 

Collaborative projects were a core element of the program. Participants worked in interdisciplinary teams to tackle contemporary geoscience challenges, such as sustainable resource management and climate adaptation. Workshops utilizing advanced GIS tools supported these projects, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. Guest lectures further enriched the experience, providing insights into the latest research and innovative teaching methodologies. A highlight of the program was the one-day workshop delivered by the EGU Geoscience Field Officers (GEFOs), who utilized Earth Learning Idea activities to demonstrate innovative, classroom-ready approaches for engaging students in Earth Science concepts. (earthlearningidea.com). 

Beyond the structured activities, the 2024 edition of MSciTeh distinguished itself through its international reach, made possible through the support of the EGU Geosciences Education Events (GEE) program, which significantly enhanced its impact. Educators and instructors from various countries brought diverse perspectives and pedagogical approaches, promoting the exchange of best practices and strengthening the program’s relevance to a global audience. 

Thanks to its dynamic structure, MSciTeh empowered participants with the knowledge and skills to advance STEM education. Teachers left the program equipped with innovative tools and methodologies to bring geosciences into their classrooms, while students were inspired to pursue careers in STEM and geosciences. Educators attending the European Geoscience Union General Assembly 2025 are invited to join the next edition of MSciTeh. This unique opportunity offers professional development, international collaboration, and the chance to contribute to advancing geoscience education.