How can a familiar material like sheep's wool become a starting point for discovering science and sustainability?
CIRCULATE – the Centre for Circular Materials, Innovation and Education, a prospective E³UDRES² research centre coordinated by Politehnica University Timișoara – explored this question during the STEAM Laboratory Summer School "On the Wool Road," held at Măru Secondary School.
Corina Sosdean, coordinator of CIRCULATE, opened the session with an age-appropriate presentation on the properties and potential uses of sheep wool. The classroom then became a hands-on STEAM laboratory, where children:
Observed wool fibers under the microscope
Tested wool's ability to absorb oil from water
Compared thermal insulation in two model houses, one wool-insulated
Explored wool samples, discovering how a low-value local material can become a sustainable resource
The activity reflects CIRCULATE's mission to connect circular materials research with education and community engagement, nurturing early curiosity about science and sustainability. Each participant received a "Researcher's Diploma" recognizing their involvement.
The event was part of the national STEAM Summer Schools programme by the Federation of Community Foundations in Romania (FFCR), supported by Pepco Romania and locally coordinated by Științescu Banatul Montan and the Banatul Montan Community Foundation — bringing the E³UDRES² spirit of research, innovation, and regional engagement to local communities.
Links
➝ Center for Circular Materials, Innovation and Education
Article created by: UPT
