The Impact of STEAM Projects on the Environmental Education of the Younger Generation

The paper explores the impact of integrating STEAM projects into the development of ecological competencies among the younger generation, emphasizing their role in raising awareness and addressing environmental issues. It presents a STEAM project developed by students of the “Ion Creangă” State Pedagogical University of Chișinău, focusing on the use of Cladophora glomerata and Chaetomorpha linum algae in the water bio-purification process. Experimental results indicate a significant efficiency in reducing the concentrations of nitrates and detergents in water, along with a notable increase in algal biomass. The economic potential of these species in the paper industry is also highlighted. The paper proposes the creation of ecological water purification stations in rural areas as a viable solution for improving water quality. In the context of the current environmental crises, preparing young people to develop STEAM projects in the field of ecology becomes a strategic necessity for 21st century education.