STEAMinSDGs DAY – Classroom Challenge
Connecting STEAM Creativity with the Sustainable Development Goals
STEAMinSDGs DAY invites schools to organize creative classroom or community activities linking STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Students and teachers work together to design mini-projects that raise awareness about sustainability while developing critical and creative thinking.
How the Challenge Works
Each participating class selects one SDG that resonates with them.
Students then create a mini-project in one of several formats — poster, video, artwork, or scientific demonstration — and present it during their local STEAMinSDGs DAY.
Teachers facilitate classroom discussions on how STEAM can contribute to solving global sustainability challenges, and schools share their highlights using the campaign hashtag #STEAMinSDGsDay.
Participating Schools’ Projects
Poland
Water Scarcity: Every Drop Counts
Poland
Primary SDG Focus: SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
Secondary Links: SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption & SDG 13 – Climate Action
Grade 8 students in Proszowice took part in a two-hour STEAMinSDGs lesson focused on the global challenge of water scarcity. Using videos, discussion prompts, and an interactive activity, students examined different types of water scarcity, its causes, and its impacts on health, agriculture, ecosystems, and everyday life. For learners from agricultural families—where wells, rivers, and springs are used daily—the topic offered a powerful new perspective on water as a limited resource.
Learning highlights:
- Understanding physical and economic water scarcity
- Exploring the role of climate change, agriculture, pollution, and population growth
- Discussing the local relevance of water management in rural communities
- Calculating their household’s estimated monthly water usage using a lesson-plan app
- Brainstorming practical strategies for reducing water consumption
The class ended with an open discussion on responsible water use and how each student can contribute to long-term water conservation.
Estonia
Understanding the SDGs
Estonia 
Primary SDG Focus: SDG 15 – Life on Land
Secondary Links: SDG 13 – Climate Action & SDG 14 – Life Below Water
Students at Tamsalu School participated in a comprehensive STEAMinSDGs activity exploring the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Across different grades, they investigated environmental topics relevant to Estonia such as forests, the Baltic Sea, biodiversity, climate change, and water pollution. Learners created posters and presentations, then shared their work with classmates, strengthening both their scientific understanding and communication skills.
Learning highlights:
- Explaining the purpose of the SDGs and their relevance to daily life
- Exploring Estonian ecosystems, including forests and the Baltic Sea
- Identifying the causes and effects of climate change and water pollution
- Proposing individual actions that contribute to sustainability
- Collaborating to design posters and present evidence-based ideas
The activity concluded with a group reflection on how every student can actively support sustainability within their home, school, and community.
🇪🇸 Spain
“Sustainable City” Project
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Students from the Spanish school designed and built a model of a sustainable city using recycled materials such as cardboard, toilet paper rolls, wooden sticks, and coffee capsules.
The activity raised awareness about sustainable urban development, renewable energy, and the importance of green spaces.
Key learning goals:
- Understand the concept of a sustainable city
- Recognize the impact of climate change
- Promote renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal)
- Encourage eco-friendly transport choices
- Support recycling and biodiversity
- Design affordable, energy-efficient housing
Latvia – Rīgas pamatskola “Rīdze”
Latvia – Rīgas pamatskola “Rīdze”Practical STEM & Sustainability Workshop
On 8 November 2025, students from classes 4.a and 6.a at Rīgas pamatskola “Rīdze” participated in a practical STEM session titled “Responsible Entrepreneurship: from Growing to Sustainable Product” in collaboration with SIA Giline for Life and University of Latvia.
Key learning goals:
- Develop awareness of sustainability and civic responsibility
- Understand how STEAM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) integrate in real-life challenges
- Explore circular economy principles: waste → resource
- Foster creative product-thinking and teamwork
Other Initiatives
The University of Latvia’s Institute of Pedagogical Sciences and Psychology joined the campaign with a series of volunteering and educational events celebrating STEAMinSDGs DAY.
Students and staff worked together to promote sustainability, creativity, and community engagement through hands-on STEAM activities.
🔗 Read more on the University of Latvia website (English)
🔗 Additional coverage here
