In 2019, the University of Aveiro, through Fábrica Science Center and in collaboration with Aveiro Municipality, developed, built and implemented a Primary School inside Fábrica Science Centre. Fábrica is the Science Center of the University of Aveiro that is part of the Portuguese Network of Ciência Viva Science Centers. During one week, a STEAM education program is explored and dedicated to students and teachers of the 4th year of primary school. The Ciência Viva School takes place between September and June and welcomes all students from the thirty-one Primary Schools in the Aveiro Region. Each class participates in a one-week residency of STEAM education at this school. An educational program was developed with a focus on STEAM methodology and content, covering different subjects all related to the 4th year curricula. The school is sponsored by the University of Aveiro and the Municipality of Aveiro, works with the support of two main partners for travel and catering, and is developed by Fábrica Science Centre, involving a team of fifteen people.

The team includes STEAM teachers and science communicators from Fábrica, an astronomer and researchers from the University. The one-week educational program for students is at the same time a training program for teachers. This work will present in detail the innovative learning environment and all its teaching materials, the STEAM education model, the financing model and the network of partnerships for the school’s logistic operation during the thirty-six weeks of the school year. The results obtained in the last five academic years will be presented and discussed.

Keywords: STEM education, primary education, teacher training.