The winner of the SySTEM 2020 STEAM award, Danilo Kozoderc, won a trip to the 2019 Ecsite conference by putting his science initiative on the SySTEM 2020 map. We sat down with Danilo to speak about his experience at the 2019 Ecsite conference, the new tools and methods he obtained and the challenges a rural science centre may face on a day to day basis. Danillo spoke at length about the importance of ensuring that inclusion and access are at the forefront of any science centre, after school club or workshop’s agenda. As Danilo explained, providing a space where young kids from rural communities can learn and connect with STEAM subjects is difficult, but it is a void that Zavod Simetris is trying to fill.

Q. Can you first introduce yourself and what organisation you represent?

I am the manager of the blue workshop, which is part of the institute Zavod Simetris in Slovenia. We have been going for about eight years. Two years ago, we got some EU funding which allowed us to move towards the topic of science and technology. Previously to working at Zavod Simetris, I worked in the area of career orientation for young children and I found that an important aspect for a child’s development is the act of learning by doing. From that, I really see the value in what we are doing. We are allowing the children to get involved with science and technology by actually doing it. What I hope is they come out of our workshops and think “I can do this”, giving them the confidence and opportunity to discover their own unique talents.

Q. What areas of STEAM do you focus on?

We have four main areas. One is robotics and programming. The second is more centred around a makerspace, using wood, 3D printers and laser cutting machines. The third one is really about trialling science, so performing and making scientific experiments. But we also have other activities not centred around STEAM. We provide cooking classes, pottery making and sewing classes. Since we are an initiative in a rural area we have to be flexible in what we offer.

The full interview with Danilo about his experience at the 2019 Ecsite conference.