“STEM in ACTION”

STEM in ACTION

Presented by: Isabel van Gend

Faculty: EBEIT

Department: Mechanical Engineering

Entity: AMTC

STEM-in-Action

Contact Details: 041 504 1185 /

isabel.vangend@nmmu.ac.za

Origins……

Initiated in 2009 by the sponsor of a similar

program. The perception was that the

previous program was ineffective in terms of

learning outcomes and making a difference

in the Physical Science space learners

occupy!

Engagement categories

• Community interaction, Service and

Outreach

• Teaching and Learning

• Service provision

STEM in ActionObjectives

The key objective of this intervention is to:

• stimulate interest in Physical Science as a

subject

• empower Grade 10 -12 learners to perform well

enough in Physical Science as a subject

• sensitise learners to careers in Science,

Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM)

The program generates its own funds and

SANRAL has been the primary sponsor since

the inception of the program in 2009.

The program reports to the Advanced

Mechatronic Technology Centre and forms part

of the drive to promote careers in Science and

Engineering.

STEM in ACTIONAffiliation

NMMU

6 Faculties Engineering

Civil Electrical Industrial Mechatronics

AMTC

Mechanical

AMTC

VWSA-DAAD

International

Chair

NMMU Siemens Training Centre

Renewable Energy Short

CoursesRenewable

Energy Research

Group

Engineers without Borders

Student Projects

STEM in ACTION

MerSETA

Chair in Eng. Dev.

Intellectual Property of STEM in ACTION

2014

STEM in ACTIONAffiliation

Grades 10 - 12 Physical ScienceIn order to excel in Physical Science, a combination of

verbal, non-verbal and reasoning skills are required.

Learners should demonstrate the following science

knowledge and skills:

Understanding concepts

Organising, analysing and interpreting data

Problem solving by applying knowledge to new situations

Acquiring habits and capabilities in scientific inquiry

Acquiring the skill to plan and design investigations

Performing experiments

Appreciating the nature of science and developing positive

attitudes

From Teaching Science by Van Rooyen & De Beer

STEM in ActionFocus group: FET Physical Science

“Studies have shown that learners learn

more from science lessons when they are

given the opportunity to learn through doing,

thinking and feeling than when they are

simply passive and allowed to observe.” From

Teaching Science by Van Rooyen & De Beer

Physical Science performance is the

gate keeper to access tertiary studies in

Science and Engineering.

STEM in ACTIONThe focus? … and why

• Physical Science learners are empirically selected in

the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and are offered

an opportunity to visit the laboratory to perform

Physics and Chemistry experiments aligned with the

Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS).

• 80% of experiments performed make use of ICT’s and

data logging equipment.

• Results and conclusions are related to theory.

STEM in ACTIONStrategy

• The success of the program depends on attendance.

A transport solution in one of the keys to success

STEM in ACTIONStrategy

STEM in ACTIONDesperate times…..

3838

3181

27022619

2324

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Number of exam entrants: NSC Physical Science 2010-2014

809

354

240

190

142118 104

617

424

239206

150122 108

618

331

211188

130 12195

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

Pass [0-29%] Pass [30-39%] Pass [40-49%] Pass [50-59%] Pass [60-69%] Pass [70-79%] Pass [80-100%]

Physical Science NSC results for PE schools 2012-2014

Selected

Learners

Projects 2015

Selected

Schools

Educator

Development

Lab assistants

Career

Exploration

• 210 Grade 10 -12 Learners from 14

schools within Metropole

• Physical Science & Math Average > 75%

• +- 12 afternoon sessions per annum.

• 1900 Grade 10 - 12 Learners from 19

functional schools in the vicinity of the

Missionvale campus.

• Entire Physical Science class attends.

Educator present

• 150 morning sessions per annum

• Educators from PE & Uitenhage districts

• Focus on CAPS-prescribed experiments

and related content in Physical Science

• Addresses content of all 6 knowledge

areas

• SANRAL Educator and School of the year

Competition.

• Integral part of the program

• Assist in Lab preparation and

maintenance

• Assist in small group facilitation

• Role models to learners

• Undergo mentoring & coaching

Intellectual Property of STEM in ACTION

2014

STEM in ACTIONModel; projects 2015

STEM in ACTION Career Exploration

Facilitate application process of Grade 10 & 11

learners qualifying for the scholarship.

SANRAL

scholarship

Administer pre-assessment of Grade 12 learners for

the AECDP Winter School.

Support

merSETA Chair

in Engineering

Aurecon consulting engineers – 40 learners. Exposure to

all disciplines of Civil Engineering, Site visit &

Engineering lab visits.

Grade 11

Engineering

Expose learners to interest questionnaires to

generate their interest profiles.Discover

your interests

Chemistry

fun

Visit the Chemistry labs on North Campus for explosions and

Chemistry magic & Polymer Technology interactive career

exposure.

Visit manufacturing and business entities which allow

learners to experience STEM working environments.Work Shadow

• Indirect and subtle integration into NMMU!

• Collaboration with various departments and entities

• Career Exploration

• Create awareness of desperate situation in terms of

the number and quality of learners qualifying for

careers in Science and Engineering

STEM in ACTIONIntegration into NMMU

809

354

240

190

142118 104

617

424

239206

150122 108

618

331

211188

130 12195

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

Pass [0-29%] Pass [30-39%] Pass [40-49%] Pass [50-59%] Pass [60-69%] Pass [70-79%] Pass [80-100%]

Physical Science NSC results for PE schools 2012-2014

STEM in ACTIONEngagement challenges

$ $ $

$$$,$$$

Challenges: