“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 /
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
$ $ $
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Challenges: