STEM Learning’s CSR Program Implementation details from Uttarakhand region
3
Schools Empowered
463
Students
Benefited
4
Teachers
Benefited
2
Corporated Supported
2
Presence In Districts
Across India, STEM Learning is the implementation partner of Mini Science Centres (MSCs). Integrating STEM Learning in the education sector develops curiosity, inquisitiveness, critical-thinking, problem-solving, imagining, innovating, questioning and exploring, designing and building, testing and modifying their solutions to complex problems among learners. This modern way of teaching not only helps students comprehend the concepts and their applications easily, but also helps in implementing them for the progress of the society as the students will be equipped with the required knowledge and skills for life. The literacy rate of Uttarakand is 78.82 percent with a population of 1.01 crores (source: www.census2011.co.in). STEM Learning stands with the state of Uttarakhand to upskill the population in STEM skills and knowledge from an early age with the introduction of MSCs.
STEM Learning , with the support of corporates, installed MSC in 3 schools of Uttarakhand in the cities of Dehradun and Haridwar. Once installed MSCs become the property of the school and school authorities have added resources to use at their disposal. MSCs have 80 plug and play models and each model is aligned to the syllabus of schools which makes them a prerequisite to classroom learning. The exhibits are interactive and colourful which draws the attention of students and keep them engaged for a long period. While students are exploring these models they raise questions and learn in the process. Post installation of the MSCs, through word of mouth the perks of the new interesting learning exhibits got around. The students’ curiosity peaked and a rise in the attendance was seen in schools.
STEM Learning has partnered with Max Foundation and Hero MotoCorp to install MSCs in 3 schools of Uttarakhand. STEM Learning works with companies and develops creative initiatives to make sure that its objectives have the greatest impact when needed. STEM Learning seeks to establish viable, long-term and successful CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) programs in the area of education.
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. Exhibits are light to carry, easy to use and enable a fun learning experience. 436 students have benefitted from the installation of MSCs. These models facilitate a kinesthetic learning approach which provides a hands-on learning experience. MSC models stimulate a proactive learning approach and propagate a tactile learning experience of the science and math concepts introduced in classrooms. One MSC is installed in a school which contains 80 table top models.
The table top exhibits 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 by students of classes 5th to 10th, they can be used in the science and math classrooms. The plug and play models have brought a wave of pedagogical reformation in the government schools. The exhibits are light in weight and can be easily carried to classrooms. The teachers utilize these models to simplify and explain various science and math concepts and theories. 4 teachers have been trained to use the exhibits to their advantage through the ‘Teacher Training Programs.’
The sustainable solutions of STEM Learning ensure a lasting impact. STEM Learning has documented the immense talent of students during the State Level Science Education Fair held in February 2020. The concepts learnt by students in the classrooms with the help of the MSC exhibits stay with the students. It has been noticed that students who learn by understanding tend to retain information easily. The schools, teachers, students and parents now have faith in the transformation brought about by these models. Students have access to unique models that teach and equip them to have a bright future.
