LocationsThe optional discipline “STEAM Education for Sustainable Development”, piloted in 12 model schools in Moldova
September 22, 2026
Around 1,000 students from 12 model schools across the Republic of Moldova are studying the optional discipline “STEAM Education for Sustainable Development” during the current academic year. The initiative introduces an innovative approach to learning that emphasizes project-based activities, experimentation, and the practical application of knowledge acquired across multiple disciplines.
Students are encouraged to combine mathematics, physics, biology, technology, or the arts to solve real-life problems. For example, they can use mathematical formulas to calculate a building’s energy consumption, apply physical phenomena and principles to design energy-efficient solutions, use digital technologies to analyze data, and integrate design elements to develop projects that benefit the community. This interdisciplinary approach makes learning more relevant and helps students see the practical value of the knowledge they acquire in school.
The introduction of this optional discipline marks a new step in expanding STEAM education within Moldova’s educational system. It builds on previous efforts supported by UNDP, during which 15 schools developed STEAM projects that demonstrated how theoretical knowledge can be transformed into practical solutions for local challenges. These initiatives addressed issues ranging from environmental protection and energy efficiency to digital innovation and community development.
“The investments we are making in modern laboratories and equipment provide students with greater opportunities to experiment and better understand the practical applications of what they learn in physics, biology, or chemistry. By piloting this optional discipline in 12 model schools, we aim to identify the most effective approaches and explore how they can be expanded. In the long term, these learning experiences can help develop competencies that are also assessed through the international PISA programme, such as critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations,” said Dan Perciun, Minister of Education and Research.
The curriculum for the elective course “STEAM Education for Sustainable Development” was developed by the Ministry of Education and Research, with support from the UNDP, the European Union, and Norway.
The relevance of introducing such a discipline is reinforced by findings from the international PISA assessments, which evaluate not only students’ knowledge but also their ability to apply what they have learned to solve practical problems. Recent PISA results indicate that the highest-performing education systems are those that successfully foster critical thinking, information analysis, complex problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration skills.
These competencies are becoming increasingly important in a world characterized by rapid technological advancement and complex societal challenges. The STEAM approach directly responds to these evolving needs by encouraging students to think critically, innovate, and collaborate across disciplines.
To support the effective implementation of the new discipline, approximately 30 teachers of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and related subjects from the 12 model schools participated in an intensive three-day training programme in August. The training focused on interdisciplinary teaching methods, project-based learning, and strategies for engaging students in hands-on educational experiences.
Following the pilot phase, the results will be carefully evaluated, and a revised curriculum will be submitted to the National Curriculum Council for approval. If approved, the discipline could be gradually expanded across the national education system, enabling a greater number of students to benefit from this innovative approach to learning.
The nationwide expansion of STEAM education has the potential to help cultivate a generation capable of transforming knowledge into practical solutions, adapting to technological change, and confidently addressing the demands of a modern economy and society.
In parallel, UNDP and the European Union have invested in the establishment and modernization of 38 science laboratories and mathematics classrooms in nine model schools. Additionally, at the “Ion Creangă” Theoretical High School in Fălești three science laboratories and one mathematics classroom will be established.
These learning spaces are equipped with modern, flexible furniture, laboratory instruments, microscopes, wireless sensors, document cameras, robotics kits, and PASCO sensors. At the same time, teachers and school leaders are receiving training in modern pedagogical approaches and student engagement techniques, ensuring that learners develop the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to thrive in an increasingly dynamic and technology-driven world.
