Science Picnic

Project owner: Udruga Profesor Baltazar; Association Professor Balthazar

Responsible person: Majda Tafra-Vlahović

2025

Nominated

HR

Civil Society / Social Economy

Challenge
There is a growing disinterest in STREAM education, especially in rural areas, where access to modern scientific resources and hands-on learning is limited. The Science Picnic aims to address this challenge by making science engaging, inclusive, and accessible to all, particularly marginalized communities, to inspire a long-term interest in scientific fields.
Idea

Peer education transforms science learning when children and young people step into educator roles during Science Picnic workshops. Curiosity, critical thinking, and genuine learning enthusiasm develop through interactive experiences that connect scientific concepts to everyday life. Active discovery replaces passive instruction as participants engage directly with concepts. Long-term sustainability emerges through strategic collaborations with local governments and NGOs that provide ongoing support and resources.

Actors
Association team members coordinate activities in partnership with educational institutions, scientists, community representatives, and dedicated volunteers. Resource and expertise contributions come from key partners including the Ministry of Science, Education, and Sports alongside CARNET. Workshop facilitation responsibilities fall to educators and volunteers who guide hands-on activities. Success factors include clearly defined roles, consistent evaluation practices, and collaborative improvement approaches that enhance overall impact.
Impact
Social inclusivity and adaptability distinguish Science Picnic from traditional science education initiatives. Scientific knowledge becomes more equitably accessible when children and marginalized groups participate as educators, creating meaningful connections between science and local communities. Rural educational inequalities diminish through this approach. Interactive activities promote social inclusion while building foundations for sustainable change and community resilience through increased scientific literacy.
Transfer
Other regions find inspiration in the Science Picnic model, developing their own science popularization programs based on its demonstrated success. Educational institutions, volunteer networks, and local communities collaborate effectively within this framework, bridging traditional gaps between scientific knowledge and society. Media coverage amplifies the project's visibility while successful implementation provides a detailed blueprint for national and international replication, establishing new benchmarks for inclusive education and social innovation approaches.