STEM Learning’s CSR Program Implementation details from Tamil Nadu region
39
Schools Empowered
15600
Students Benefitted
156
Teachers
Benefited
12
Corporate Supported
10
Presence In Districts
STEM Learning is the implementing partner for the installation of Mini Science Centres (MSCs). The objective is to increase scientific temper & inquisitiveness among students, so they can be ready for the future. STEM Learning, with the support of corporates, installed MSCs in 39 schools of Tamil Nadu in the cities/districts of Chennai, Cuddalore, Hosur, Coimbatore, Virudhunagar, Vellore, Salem, Tirunelveli, Thiruvarur, Kanchipuram and Ramanathapuram.
STEM Learning has been integrating STEM education in the curriculum of government schools in the rural areas with the installation of MSCs . The fear of subjects such as math and science has been replaced with interactive learning with the MSC exhibits . Learning by doing is far better that rote learning as it helps students remember the concepts beyond just exams. The MSC exhibits do not need to be explored just by themselves but are the perfect learning aids that can accompany the science and math lectures from 5th to 10th standard as they are aligned to the curriculum.
The population of Tamil Nadu is 7.21 crores and literacy rate is 80.09 percent (source: www.census2011.co.in). STEM Learning stands with Tamil Nadu government in its endeavour to promote & constantly improve the quality of education in the state. Setting out to fulfil this mission STEM Learning has installed MSCs in 39 schools of Tamil Nadu with the help of its CSR partners. STEM Learning inspired education leads to explorative thinking and a problem-solving mindset that, in effect, contributes to potential innovators, designers, strategic thinkers, scientists and partners. The supportive partners of STEM Learning include Airport Authority of India, Covestro, Exide, L&T, NLC, Redington, Sopra Steria, TechnipFMC and WNS Cares as well as STEM installed MSC in the government schools of Tamil Nadu.
This education reformation has benefitted 15,600 students. Through the Employee Volunteering Program the Corporates encourage employees to actively get involved with the school children. Various quiz competitions relating to their curriculum and informative career guidance sessions are conducted by the employees who are also trained for this program. This sensitizes the employees to the current reality of society and as they actively engage in making a difference they are transformed in the process.
156 teachers have been empowered by the ‘Teachers Training Program’ in Tamil Nadu. Use of the MSC exhibits reforms the pedagogy in schools. Teachers have gained confidence in the potential of utilizing learning aids to teach students as well as students are able to understand tough concepts easily. These models can be carried to the classroom and it makes it easier for many teachers to have access to various models simultaneously. Since they are built keeping in mind the concepts learnt in school, they are a prerequisite in classrooms.
The positive impact of the practical learning was showcased during the National STEM Awards 2020 where 6 schools from Tamil Nadu participated to display their STEM Skills. This competition was held at the district/city level, zonal level and national level over a period of 2 months. Quiz competiton, Model Making competition and Tinkering were the three competitions in which the students participated. The Students of Vivekananda School, Tirunelveli braved their way till the Final Round in Bengaluru and won the Science & Maths Model Competition. The school was awarded Rs. 50,000/- for its meritorious performance.
