NATURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION: SAARMSTE CONFERENCE TOPICALITIES

Science and technology education remains very important educational areas. In recent years, we can observe quite a big concern related to the science and technology education in Lithuania. High quality natural science and technological education of the younger generation is indisputably important both economically and socially. It is also clear that more and more emphasis on STEM education issues can be observed. 24th annual conference of the Southern African Association for research in mathematics, science and technology education (SAARMSTE) took place in 12-15 January 2016 in Pretoria, South Africa. The conference main topic was “Researching a sustainable environment and sustaining research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education”. During this conference an experience of the international MaT2SMc project was presented. The project idea, the essential developments and the results and benefits for the educational practice were discussed with colleagues, researchers from the countries in the South Africa region. In addition, the prepared book entitled “Materials for Teaching Together: Science and Mathematics Teachers collaborating for better results“ was presented. Conference reports thematic overview is given here. It is obvious that the conference was considered relevant STEM education issues.