My Place Junior
Science comes to life through exploration. Curiosity brings us together.
A STEAM education project implemented by JRS Romania with support from the Științescu Fund in Constanța. Romanian children and refugee and migrant children experimented, created and learned from one another in an inclusive environment.
Science belongs to everyone. So should opportunities.
My Place Junior opened up hands-on learning for children from disadvantaged families and for refugee and migrant children. The activities combined scientific discovery, technology and intercultural collaboration.
More than a science class
Instead of watching demonstrations, children handled equipment, tested hypotheses, built things and presented their ideas. The workshops connected biology, chemistry, physics and astronomy with phenomena they could observe and understand firsthand.
The project also created a shared space where Romanian children and those who had arrived from other countries could work together, rather than separately.
What the project delivered
- Free access to STEAM education through experiential learning.
- Interaction and collaboration between Romanian and newcomer children.
- Digital design and 3D printing skills.
- An equipped lab that can be used beyond the funding period.
Two programmes. One shared space for discovery.
From July to December 2024, the activities built on one another: first, scientific exploration during summer school, followed by digital design and creative making at the dedicated club.
STEAM Summer School
11 hands-on science workshops for 63 Romanian and newcomer children, exploring experiments, nature, astronomy, electricity and microscope observations.
Digital Innovation Club
16 sessions for a group of 30 children, covering 3D modelling, printing, graphic design, customisation and team projects.
Participant numbers are reported separately for each programme and must not be added together as a total of unique beneficiaries.
11 workshops. Science you can touch.
Children discovered scientific phenomena through observation and experiments across seven thematic areas. Every workshop turned questions into hands-on experiences.
From an idea to a real-world object.
Imagine. Design. Create.
16 practical learning sessions for 30 children.
Participants gradually built their digital modelling and design skills. Starting with simple projects, they developed virtual objects, prepared models for 3D printing and turned digital designs into physical products.
A STEAM lab built for hands-on discovery
An important part of the project was equipping the Constanța Regional Integration Centre with tools for science, creative learning and digital exploration.
From participation to skills and confidence
The final report records the achievement of the project’s objectives and participation above the original summer school target. The team’s observations highlight both practical learning and collaboration between children.
Summer school participants
Against an initial target of 60 children; 11 workshops delivered instead of the 7 planned.
Digital club participants
The planned group took part in the digital learning programme.
Club sessions delivered
All 16 planned sessions were completed.
3D-Printed Chess Set
A tangible result of the journey from digital design to finished product.
Science, technology, collaboration
- Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
- Observing, testing and discussing natural science phenomena.
- Digital Skills
- 3D modelling, graphic design and the use of digital tools.
- Communication & Teamwork
- Presenting their creations and collaborating on shared projects.
Greater curiosity and initiative
- Interest in STEAM Fields
- Children explored subjects that many had never experienced through hands-on learning before.
- Confidence in Their Abilities
- The report describes children who went from using a computer for the first time to creating their own 3D models.
- Intercultural Connections
- Activities created opportunities for Romanian, refugee and migrant children to interact and work together.
Children were more than participants. They became creators.
The project gave children opportunities to showcase their work and explain how they had created it.
Științescu Festival
Children exhibited creations made at the Digital Innovation Club and interacted with visitors. The experience brought together public presentation, communication and recognition of teamwork.
The funding period ended. The learning resources remain.
My Place Junior concluded on 15 December 2024. Beyond the workshops delivered, the project established resources that JRS can use in future educational initiatives.
An equipped STEAM learning space at the Constanța Regional Integration Centre.
Equipment for scientific observation, 3D printing, virtual exploration and design.
Learning methods based on experimentation, creativity and collaboration in intercultural groups.
The team’s stated intention to continue science and technology activities, subject to available resources.
A completed project. An investment in learning that can last.
The equipment and the team’s experience can support new activities for children in the local community.
Learn more about My Place Junior
For information about the completed project and JRS Romania’s educational activities, please contact the Constanța Regional Integration Centre.
JRS Romania
Implementing organisationwww.jrsromania.org
Constanța
4 Dimitrie Cantemir Street+40 727 396 348constanta@jrsromania.org