STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) projects are often recognized for their hands-on learning, but it’s a mistake to think that they only develop specific technical or hard skills. These projects also foster the development of essential soft skills for children and young people.
Soft skills are competencies involving self-management, interpersonal relationships, and the ability to handle situations in a balanced and empathetic way. They range from communication and empathy to teamwork, conflict resolution, and persistence in the face of challenges, which are crucial for personal and professional well-being.
STEM projects involve practices based on collaboration and real problem solving, creating a creative environment where students actively interact and learn from each other’s experiences. By participating in these projects, young people need to convey their ideas, whether simple or complex, making communication a more natural process. Additionally, they learn to translate technical concepts into everyday language, which also prepares them to express thoughts clearly and effectively.
This is what the team of the “Community plant for the preparation of medicines” project, winner of Solve for Tomorrow Venezuela in 2021, accomplished. The group developed a STEM project to help members of their community who had lost access to medication due to the country’s economic crisis. To achieve this, they practiced their communication skills, conducted interviews with these people, and, based on their needs, came up with the idea of developing a prototype to support the production of natural remedies.
Another key aspect of such projects is teamwork, which encourages constant collaboration. Cooperation among peers goes beyond task division; it is a joint construction that fosters mutual responsibility and trust, enriching the learning experience. Collaborative practice opens space for empathy, allowing young people to understand each other’s perspectives and value diverse ideas.
Together, students find creative solutions to real problems. Tackling challenges promotes critical thinking and flexibility; two important skills for navigating a constantly changing world. The project “Safely Walking: alarm bracelet”, a finalist in Solve for Tomorrow Brazil in 2021, is an example of how even everyday activities can generate socially impactful solutions. The idea emerged during an Integrative Project class when the students realized it was possible to create a project in response to violence against women and LGBTQIA+ individuals. From there, they developed the idea of a simple device with a tracker, similar to those found in mobile phones. Finally, they created a bracelet prototype that emits sound and light alerts to assist in requesting help in vulnerable or dangerous situations.
While students organize themselves to test their prototype, self-management and responsibility are also honed in STEM projects; especially in longer activities where students need to plan their time, monitor their tasks, and commit to set goals. This experience teaches the importance of meeting deadlines, not giving up, and reflecting on the impact of their actions within a team.
In the “City Sensor” project, winner of the program in Argentina in 2023, students distributed devices across Buenos Aires to monitor air quality. They applied technical skills such as web development, sensor usage, and 3D design. But beyond that, what impressed the mediator teacher the most was how the students learned management techniques to bring the project to life. Each student had a role, and the group met periodically to assemble each project stage. By committing to each step of the project journey, they were able to achieve their results together.
