Project with vision: Experience technology up close - hands-on STEM for schoolchildren

8 July 2025 |

As part of a pioneering STEM project, HTL students and primary school children from the region were able to experience the world of technology up close - in a practical, creative and enthusiastic way. Together with the career guides from the "Steirischen Volkswirtschaftlichen Gesellschaft (STVG)" and the companies Pankl Racing, Heldeco and RHI Magnesita, voestalpine created an educational program for two target groups: students from the HTL Kapfenberg and primary school children from Niklasdorf and St. Peter/Freienstein in Leoben.

Technology meets talent: STEM project with HTL Kapfenberg

The aim of the project was to integrate STEM content (Science, Technology, Engineering und Mathematics) into upper secondary school lessons in a practical way. To this end, the participating companies developed four topic-specific STEM boxes that made theoretical knowledge tangible:

(Natural) Sciences: RHI Magnesita
(Information) Technology: Pankl Racing
Engineering: voestalpine
Mathematics: Heldeco

Our technology box made it possible to build simple electrical circuits with a focus on logical operations (AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR). The students learned how to light up an LED through a targeted combination of buttons and wiring - supported by truth tables and analytical thinking.

The pilot project at HTL Kapfenberg was a complete success: a total of 125 9^th grade students were able to put their skills to the test in two workshop sessions. Specialists from voestalpine Welding, Tubulars and Wire Austria accompanied the workshops on site. The feedback from the young people was consistently positive - the combination of theory, practical application and independent work was particularly appreciated.

I was impressed by how enthusiastic the children were - they are our future. They are learning about the fascinating world of technology without any pressure to perform, but with a great deal of curiosity. We from the specialist departments accompany the workshops, ensure safety and support learning success.

adds Christian Saiger, Human Resources, voestalpine Wire Rod Austria

STEM for the youngest: exploring with all the senses at the elementary school

STEM was also made tangible at the Niklasdorf and St. Peter/Freienstein elementary school. In a program specially tailored to children, 4^th grade pupils explored the world of technology in a playful and enthusiastic way.

Under the motto "Trying things out is the first step towards discovery", the children were allowed to build, measure, tinker and experiment. Age-appropriate STEM boxes made it possible to construct electrical circuits, measure with calipers, decode Morse code and determine pH values, among other things - accompanied by technology experts from voestalpine.

Our aim is to get children interested in technology and trades at an early age and to break down any fear of contact. Technical understanding doesn't come from watching, but from actively doing.

explains Walpurga Weixler, Human Resources, voestalpine Metal Engineering Division

Outlook

The project shows how strong partnerships between business and education can spark a lasting interest in technical professions - from primary school children to budding technicians. More STEM workshops are to follow in the fall to get even more young people interested in mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology.

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