Sustainable CSR Impact in Chhattisgarh
69
Schools Empowered
4983
Students Benefited
81
Teachers Benefited
8
Corporate Supported
14
Presence In Districts
stemlearning is the CSR implementation partner of Mini Science Centres (MSCs) across India. Chhattisgarh is one of the newest states of India, formed at the end of the year 2000. However, due to the constant efforts by the government, the education system has recorded an impressive literacy rate. MSCs aim to reduce the gap between contextual and rote based learning, and replace it with a practical approach, which will equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to get lucrative opportunities in their field of interest. It aims to clear the fundamental concepts of STEM disciplines, so that the learners can opt for their higher studies and beyond.
The average literacy rate stands at 70.28 percent as per 2011 population census (source: www.census2011.co.in/census). The schools where the MSCs have been installed have experienced the impact of the revolutionary STEM education. They’ve reported an increase in the attention span of the students. The engagement levels among students have been amplified. The teachers do not need to intervene like before, as the interactive models spike the curiosity of students. The students keep playing with the models and interim learn the mechanism and grasp the concept. While interacting with each other, they communicate what they experience, and learn and teach in the process. stemlearning stands with Chhattisgarh government in its endeavour to promote & improve the quality of education in the state.
With the support of our 7 partners, stemlearning has been instrumental in installing MSCs in 61 schools in the state of Chhattisgarh. We’ve partnered with ICICI Foundation, Adani, IFIG Raipur, Kalpataru, HDFC Bank, Galway CG and Hindalco Raigarh with an objective to increase the scientific temper & inquisitiveness among students, so they can be ready for the future.
In Chhattisgarh, the teachers have been trained to use the exhibits of the MSC. stemlearning organizes thorough ‘Teacher Training Programs’ before the MSC is installed as well as on request of the schools, as required. The teachers are up skilled with the introduction of these trainings. After applying what they’ve been instructed to do, the teachers have seen a substantial progress in the acumen of students. Students have begun teaching their peers and an interdependent learning environment is created.
These models facilitate a kinesthetic learning approach which is a hands-on learning experience. The students of grades 5th to 10th have developed a scientific temper. With the help of these exhibits, students are confident in their abilities and as a result peer-to-peer learning is seen among students which denote that MSC models empower students to become independent learners. A 15% increase in the inquisitiveness of students is seen with the introduction of MSC models in classroom.
The positive impact of the practical learning was seen at the National STEM Awards (NSA) held in February 2020 where 10 schools from Chhattisgarh participated to demonstrate their STEM skills. The students participated in various Quiz Competitions, Tinkering and Model Making Competitions. The competition was held at three levels i.e. district/city levels, zonal levels and national level. Out of the schools that participated in the NSA, two reached the zonal round. The underserved students proved that when given a chance, they will shine to become STEM champs of tomorrow.
