Special Initiatives in Mathematics and Science Education
The national core curriculum for preprimary and basic education is being renewed. The process involves all stakeholders, particularly education providers and education personnel. The aim is to encourage parents and students to participate in the process. The renewed core curriculum was completed by the end of 2014. New local curricula that are based on this core curriculum should be prepared by the beginning of the 2016–2017 school year.18
The new core curriculum encompasses seven cross-curricular themes, which are connected with the content of each subject. The cross-curricular themes are: Thinking and Learning; Cultural Competence, Interaction, and Expression; Looking after Oneself; Managing Daily Activities; Safety; Multiliteracy; ICT Competence; Competence Required for Working Life and Entrepreneurship; and Participation, Empowerment, and Responsibility. The target content of mathematics and integrated environmental studies is presented for Grades 1 to 2 and 3 to 6. The applicable cross-curricular contents also are linked for each target. In Grades 7 to 9, science studies are taught as separate subjects: physics, chemistry, earth science, biology, and health studies.
LUMA Centre Finland was established on November 8, 2013, as the umbrella organization for LUMA Centres in Finnish Universities to strengthen and promote their collaboration on the national and international level. The aim of LUMA Centre Finland is to inspire and motivate children and youth into mathematics, natural sciences, and technology through the latest methods and activities of science and technology education. It also aims to support the lifelong learning of teachers working on levels of education from early childhood to university, and to strengthen the development of research-based teaching.19