STEM-A-Fair (Std 5-10) : “GYAAN”
Idea behind
Core academics prepare the students theoretically. We also have some hands-on activities that the students do in school to see how these concepts work. Combining different learnings and building something bigger is a whole new learning experience altogether - and a very intellectually stimulating and enriching one at that.
The world is largely interdisciplinary now. So we don’t have just a SCIENCE fair - it’s a STEM fair. That is a blend across Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. So students do not have to do just a science concept demonstration. They can try to solve a problem, be an engineer or even develop an app or software to ease a certain task.
Project types
Projects can be of so many different types :
Research projects : In these the students may have surveys and trials done early on. On the day of the event, students can show the sample test and share the data. They can even allow the visitors to experience a part of the test that they conducted on the population. These projects are research intense. The students will understand how to keep their data valid, ethics and consent that has to be taken and also that a minimum sample group of 30 is needed for data analysis. They will need to be systematic in their gathering of data and can present their data in insightful ways.
Long duration projects : Some projects may require the experiment to be conducted earlier, as it may be a long one. The students can bring in the ‘before’ and ‘after’ versions of the experiment and data and show photos or videos of their research along with their data and findings on the day of the event.
Working models : Some projects may allow for a part of the project to be shown to the visitors and the rest can again be shown with the documentation. Some projects may have working models along with the theory and applications as part of the explanations.
Failed projects : Even failed science projects are acceptable as they are still indicators of a lot of learning! What did you do, what went wrong, how did you figure it out, how did you try to fix it, what do you think you would have done differently? If you are still interested in making it work you have the grit and a good scientific attitude.
Expectations students
Students must have understood the concept / principle which they choose to explain. For e.g. – Evaporation : What it is, how it is used, its applications (salt pans, clouds forming, clothes drying, hot liquids cooling down etc.) Basically, the group will be talking about evaporation and how it works – all in the theme of the STEM a-fair!
They must select a project which is age - appropriate. ‘Age - appropriate’ means the project should not be too complex or too simple. A very complex project will not allow the students to explore any concept thoroughly. A very simple project will not allow the students to reach their potential.
If the subject is too vast (vast does not mean complex), the group can choose to focus on one aspect for the detailed explanation.
The idea is to focus on science, rather than on craft. So a big NO to volcanoes or similar projects. Volcano projects do not even show how a volcano really works! It’s a totally different chemical reaction from what actually happens in a real volcano. Similarly, just showing a craft model of a farm or the digestive system is not okay either.
After the group submits the abstract of the project, the teachers will scan the information. They may ask students to increase or decrease the difficulty level – or modify the project. All this is to make sure that there is some value addition and learning for each participant.
We want the students to think, understand, analyze and explain. This opportunity should be used to engage in research and improve presentation skills. Rather than rote memorization, students should totally understand what they are talking about – and experience a hands-on activity!
Start early, practice more, ask questions, have arguments and debates with your parents and team members, exchange information, learn and enjoy the process.
Expectations parents
As this is a group project, the students will be interacting a lot with each other. Many times, this leads to a lot of arguments. You can be the referee, but don’t jump in and become a participant. That changes it from a fight between kids to one between adults!
Children are expected to form groups on their own. However, if your child wishes to participate but cannot get into a group, do let us know and we will accommodate the child in some group.
Please refrain from creating the whole project for your children (we can easily identify which projects have been created by parents only!) You are most welcome to guide and assist the children, but don't create the whole project for them.
Please make sure it is the students who are doing most of the work in the project. Even cutting a plastic bottle or cutting off the insulation layer off a wire are tasks that need practice. If they start doing it now, maybe they have a chance to become as good as you, when they grow older.
The whole idea is that students must learn. They learn from their failures and mistakes too. So, let them be the stars of this project and you can be their gentle assistants and philosophers!
If you need to buy things for the project, make sure your children come along with you. They will get to know the variety of materials available at the hardware or electrical stores. They will be able to see the variety in things that they choose, the different specifications, qualities and even prices. Remember, this is all a part of the experience of being a scientist. And every step of the way, you will be creating nice memories!