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In India students are going through syllabus / curriculum throughout their academic life (KG to PG education). They hardly get any chance / exposure to any hands-on activity-based learning.
According to my observations Government school managements want maximum students to be passed and pushed into next higher classes, whereas most of the other schools are more over preparing students mainly for competitive exams.
This education system lacks the flavor of preparing students with life skills, leading the life with self confidence and self-esteem.
Today the whole world is looking for problem solvers, such problem-solving skills must be imparted right from the school itself.
Dr Kalam once said is “Child is the first Scientist”, as they have huge curiosity to know everything, but however they lose the inquisitiveness as they grow class by class, Why is so? The answer is very simple as education system wants marks and ranks more over majority of parents also look for the same, Which is where children’s questioning qualities go down day by day and ultimately they just vanishes too. And students undergo huge stress and becoming restless with no direction to live properly.
As globe has become as a global village and there are plenty of countless opportunities to todays youth provided given opportunity to explore themselves on their own potential directions.
We need to help students to become as problem solvers, Critical and Creative thinkers through proper hands-on learning experiences one such I feel is STEM – STEAM Based education system.
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What is STEM Education?
STEM education is a teaching and learning approach that is a unique combination of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. To be precise, STEM education primarily focuses on hands-on and problem-based learning methodology. STEM emphasizes developing logical and critical thinking skills by allowing students to learn and understand things from the perspective of the real world. STEM education equipped students with the skills that are required to succeed in their respective careers whether it is in jobs, entrepreneurship, etc.
Engaging students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education
Particularly in science-requires methods that promote curiosity, hands-on experiences, and real-world relevance.
Here are several effective methods and strategies to engage students in science:
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1. Inquiry-Based Learning
Approach: Students explore scientific questions through investigation, observation, and experimentation.
Engagement: Promotes curiosity, critical thinking, and ownership of learning.
Example: Instead of explaining photosynthesis, have students investigate how light affects plant growth using their own experimental setups.
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2. Project-Based Learning (PBL)
Approach: Students work on real-world problems over an extended period.
Engagement: Encourages collaboration, creativity, and application of scientific concepts.
Example: Design a water filtration system or investigate local environmental issues.
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3. Integration with Technology and Digital Tools
Approach: Use simulations, virtual labs, and interactive apps.
Engagement: Makes abstract concepts more tangible and accessible.
Example: Use PhET simulations for physics or chemistry concepts; AR/VR for space exploration or the human body.
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4. Hands-On Experiments and Lab Work
Approach: Emphasize doing science rather than just learning about it.
Engagement: Taps into tactile learning and reinforces theory through practice.
Example: Dissections, DNA extraction, homemade Science Projects, or kitchen chemistry.
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5. Cross-Disciplinary STEM Challenges
Approach: Combine science with math, technology, or engineering tasks.
Engagement: Encourages holistic problem-solving and makes learning relevant.
Example: Build a bridge with limited materials and test its weight capacity while applying physics principles.
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6. Use of Real-World Connections
Approach: Link science topics to students’ everyday lives and global issues.
Engagement: Shows the relevance and impact of science.
Example: Study climate change, public health, or sustainable energy in the context of current events.
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7. Role Models and Mentors
Approach: Bring in scientists or STEM professionals for talks, Q&A, or mentoring.
Engagement: Helps students visualize future careers and feel inspired.
Example: Virtual interviews, lab tours, or "Scientist of the Month" features.
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8. Outdoor and Field-Based Learning
Approach: Conduct learning outside the traditional classroom.
Engagement: Breaks routine and connects science to nature.
Example: Nature walks for ecology, visits to science centers, or water quality testing in local streams.
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9. Student-Led Learning and Presentations
Approach: Allow students to teach back, lead investigations, or present findings.
Engagement: Builds confidence and deepens understanding.
Example: Science fairs, class presentations, or creating instructional videos.
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Being I am well versed with STEM concepts I have used some of the above methods and found an excellent results from my students at Laurel High Global School Rajamahendravaram and Sri Gowthami Smart School Rajamahendravaram.
I have taken “SOUND” chapter of the physics and visualized it and practically shown all about frequencies, intensity, pitch, amplitude, loudness etc. Made my mentees to measure sound’s parameters as mentioned and noise pollution etc. Filled tons of joyful activities during the sessions.
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I have taken Electricity chapter of the physics and engaged my mentee with three projects.
- To generate electricity in a fundamental way like making an electric coil and moving a magnet within it to produce the electricity. Connected concepts and calculation for this coil making process in a stem way. We named it as “Power in the Palm”
- The Second project I have designed is “Cranky Generator”, through which my mentees are well connected with dynamos, drive and driven wheels (pulleys), concept of gear ratios, mechanical energy, electrical energy and power calculations.
- The third project I have developed is a “Robo Car” which is to help my mentees to understand all about electrical circuits, SPDT/DPDT switches, Circuit logics, motor RPM / torques etc.
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My STEM Activities Photo Albums
My STEM Concepts Video Clips
I have taken “SOUND” chapter of the physics and visualized it and practically shown all about frequencies, intensity, pitch, amplitude, loudness etc. Made them measure sound’s parameters as mentioned and noise pollution etc. Filled tons of joyful activities during the sessions.
I have taken Electricity chapter of the physics and engaged my mentee with three projects.
- To generate electricity in a fundamental way like making an electric coil and moving a magnet within it to produce the electricity. Connected concepts and calculation for this coil making process in a stem way. We named it as “Power in the Palm”
- The Second project I have designed is “Cranky Generator”, through which my mentees are well connected with dynamos, drive and driven wheels (pulleys), concept of gear ratios, mechanical energy, electrical energy and power calculations.
- The third project I have developed is a “Robo Car” which is to help my mentees to understand all about electrical circuits, SPDT/DPDT switches, Circuit logics, motor RPM / torques etc.
At Sri Gowthami Smart School Rajahmundry I have worked with FORCE and PRESSURE
Some more developed STEM working models for the concept of Electricity
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