To mark today’s International Day for Digital Learning, Aramco Europe showcases its partnership with Fondazione Politecnico di Milano through the STEAMplay project. The initiative forms part of Aramco Europe’s citizenship program which supports a wide range of educational partnerships across Europe.
Bringing digital learning to life in the classroom
STEAMplay brings creative, hands-on digital learning into the classroom and encourages students aged 11-14 to explore science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) subjects in an interactive environment.
The initiative uses a game-based learning approach developed with Italian start-up CodersKids. Students explore coding, storytelling, graphics and music creation through practical workshops, reflecting UNESCO's theme for this year's awareness day: "Building digital futures for public education."
The success of STEAMplay, with its blend of coding, scientific storytelling and game design, demonstrates how hands-on digital learning can spark curiosity and creativity in young students. This is an ambition shared by both Aramco Europe and Fondazione Politecnico di Milano, brought to life through the partnership.
From inspiration to game developers
The three phases of the program – Inspire, Train and Create – kick off with a launch event and theater show around the theme of "six women who changed the world." The event was attended by over 400 students from several schools in the Milan area.
During the workshop phase, students receive training before forming five-person game development teams. Each team is responsible for the screenplay and dialogue, graphics and imagery, music, sound effects and software coding. In total, 21 games were created in the workshops, inspired by famous scientific discoveries, including arcade-style games, quizzes, interactive storytelling and an "escape room" emulation.
Building skills and supporting the next generation
Over 120 students take part in the game design workshops, with even more play-testing the finished games. This is supported by 30 teachers from two local schools. More than 85 hours of workshop-based learning is delivered through STEAMplay, building creativity, teamwork and problem-solving skills while ensuring inclusive participation for students with diverse learning needs.
Aramco Europe sees STEAM education as vital in preparing the next generation for the challenges of the future. Across Europe, the company supports educational partnerships that encourage interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
