A Community Mosaic created as part of EU project STE(A)M Learning Ecologies (SLEs) In a rapidly changing world, educational expectations are evolving at an unprecedented pace, and the need for a new approach to learning has become essential. To that end, CÚRAM, the SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices based at the University of Galway, along with 12 other organisations, are part of a new Horizon-funded EU project entitled STEAM Learning Ecologies (SLE), which aims to develop open schooling models in community settings.
CÚRAM is the national coordinator for Ireland's pilot SLE entitled 'Intertwined' - Mosaics of the Community Brain - a collaboration between CÚRAM, Ballybane Library, Galway Community College and artist Alison Mac Cormaic.
‘Intertwined’ is a mosaic which was developed through a co-creative approach with library staff and students learning side by side and included workshops at 'Superhuman', CÚRAM's medtech exhibition housed in Galway City Museum, as well as the Centre for Microscopy and Imaging in the University of Galway and in the School of History and Philosophy.
The theme of the mosaic and the programme was that of exploring perceptions and different viewpoints – looking at the same thing from far away and up close and how those viewpoints can inform attitudes and opinions. The library wished to rebuild a connection with their teenage audience post-pandemic and this science-based workshop enabled that. The mosaic will take up permanent residence in the library’s newly refurbished Maker’s Space and is open to the public to view.
