STEM Practical Activities to Raise Knowledge Learning and Exploration
Sparkle (STEM Practical Activities to Raise Knowledge Learning and Exploration) is an innovative project aimed at students in the second and third years of lower secondary school.
The project is coordinated by the Bruno Kessler Foundation (FBK), in collaboration with the University of Trento, the University of Verona, and the STEAM Education and Ed-Tech company Level Up.
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The initiative, selected and supported by the Fondo per la Repubblica Digitale Impresa Sociale with a contribution of 767,000 euros, will take place during the 2025/2026 school year in 12 comprehensive institutes (10 in Trentino and 2 in Veneto).
Sparkle aims to engage young people with STEM subjects through an approach that combines:
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Hands-on laboratory experiences using interactive kits equipped with advanced sensors
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Reflections on the ethical aspects of artificial intelligence and its impact on society
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Awareness-raising activities on gender disparity in STEM fields
"Sparkle addresses the growing demand for STEM skills in the labor market and the persistent gender gap in these fields. Through an engaging educational experience and direct interaction with the scientific community, the project aims to build a bridge between school and research, promoting a conscious and informed approach to choosing STEM pathways.
Training for Students
Experimenting in STEM (8 hours): Laboratory activities led by Level Up experts in collaboration with teachers. Students use kits equipped with advanced sensors to explore phenomena that cannot be perceived by human senses, applying the scientific method in a practical way through hands-on experiments.
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AI and Ethics in STEM (2 hours): Sessions conducted by FBK researchers focused on artificial intelligence and its ethical implications. Students reflect on the potential and risks of AI-based technologies, developing a critical and informed mindset.
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Gender in STEM (6 hours): Coaching activities led by the University of Verona aimed at raising awareness about the role of gender stereotypes in scientific disciplines, strengthening self-confidence, and promoting a positive perception of one’s own abilities — with particular attention to female students.
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Solve the STEM Mystery (4 hours): A practical challenge coordinated by teachers, in which each class must identify a “mystery object” using scientific tools and the skills they have acquired. The five classes with the best results will take part in the “Science Day” at FBK.
Interactive Educational Kit
​The central and most innovative element of Sparkle is the set of interactive educational kits specifically developed by the Bruno Kessler Foundation and Level Up. Each kit includes:
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A sensor box containing advanced technology developed by FBK–Sensors & Devices, featuring radiation sensors (photodiodes, silicon photomultipliers) and semiconductor gas sensors
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Eight activity boxes for small group work, complete with programmable boards, materials, and measuring instruments
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An educational booklet with detailed guides for teachers and students
All educational kits will remain as permanent equipment in the participating schools, ensuring their continued use in the following years. This feature guarantees the sustainability of the initiative and provides schools with innovative, high-tech tools to enrich STEM teaching well beyond the duration of the project.
Teacher Training​
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Experimenting in STEM (6 hours): An in-depth presentation of the educational kits, the pedagogical principles behind the activities, and innovative teaching methodologies. Teachers directly experience the same activities they will later implement in the classroom.
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AI and Ethics (2 hours): Sessions led by FBK researchers focusing on artificial intelligence and the conscious, ethical use of new technologies. Teachers acquire the skills needed to facilitate critical discussions in class.
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Gender in STEM (2 hours): Sessions conducted by the University of Verona exploring gender issues in STEM disciplines and providing practical tools to address stereotypes and biases within the educational context.
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Visiting FBK (2 hours): A visit to the laboratories of the Bruno Kessler Foundation, offering teachers a concrete view of research activities and the practical applications of theoretical concepts, thus strengthening the link between schools and the research world.
