The UG STEAM Lab is an interdisciplinary learning and experimentation space designed to support meaningful integration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics in formal and non-formal education. The lab is not focused on teaching isolated technologies; instead, it functions as a platform where learners explore real problems, design solutions, test ideas, and reflect on their learning process.
The lab primarily targets school students (preschool through secondary level), as well as teachers, pre-service educators, and youth facilitators. It is used for regular STEAM lessons, project-based learning, short-term challenges, research activities, teacher trainings, and pilot testing of educational innovations. Students work individually and in teams, depending on the task, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, inquiry, and responsibility for shared outcomes.
The pedagogical approach of the UG STEAM Lab is grounded in problem-based and project-based learning, systems thinking, and reflective practice. Learning activities typically start from a real-world question or challenge and guide students through investigation, ideation, prototyping, testing, data collection, and evaluation. Technology and engineering are treated as tools for thinking and learning, not as ends in themselves. Special attention is given to student agency, evidence-based reasoning, and the connection between physical activity, cognition, and learning processes.
The lab is equipped with a carefully selected range of ICT and maker technologies, including microcontrollers (Arduino, micro:bit), environmental and motion sensors, basic electronics tools, laptops). Digital tools are used for programming, data analysis, visualization, and documentation, while physical tools support hands-on experimentation and engineering design.
Partnerships:
UG STEAM Lab collaborates selectively with commercial partners, primarily in the fields of educational technology, electronics, and digital fabrication. These partnerships are focused on piloting equipment, testing educational kits, co-developing learning scenarios, and adapting technological solutions for school and STEAM education contexts. All collaborations are aligned with academic goals and are designed to support learning, experimentation, and teacher capacity-building rather than commercial promotion.
More information:
Address:
UG International School, Kostava 77a, Tbilisi, Georgia
Contact:
Medea Abramishvili, Head of the STEAM lab, mediabramishvili@gmail.com
Tea Elerdashvili, Head of Quality Assurance Service, tea.elerdashvili@gmail.com
