From Sky Patterns: Hipparchus’ Stars Bridge – İznik & Salerno STEAM Hackathon for Astronomy Education

Within the framework of the Women Science Teachers initiative, the Sky Patterns: Hip-parchus’ Stars Bridge Between İznik and Salerno STEAM hackathon was implemented between September and November 2025. The project integrates the legacy of ancient astronomy with contemporary STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) education. Inspired by Hipparchus of Nicaea (c. 190–120 BCE), often regarded as the father of scientific astronomy, the project aimed to foster data literacy, inquiry-based learning, collaborative problem-solving, and cross-cultural interaction. The hackathon involved twenty one students aged 11–17 from Türkiye (Istanbul, Kocaeli) and Italy (Salerno). Participants explored astronomical patterns while examining the historical and aesthetic connections between İznik tiles and Italian ceramic traditions. Following training in project management, art history, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), 3D modeling, and coding, students developed original interdisciplinary projects. Additionally, students from three schools – Beşiktaş Anatolian High School (Istanbul), De Sanctis High School (Salerno), and Yeni Levent Anatolian High School (Istanbul) – contributed to the organization of the hackathon and supported peer learning processes. A mixed-methods research design was employed, including pre- and post-assessments, student product evaluation rubrics, and semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that integrating historical scientific heritage with digital technologies contributes to enhancing students’ critical thinking, creativity, interdisciplinary understanding, and digital production skills.