Programme by UTAR centre combines science, creativity and technology to nurture innovators, critical thinkers
ABOUT 50 SMK Air Kuning students in Kampar, Perak, took part in an interactive programme to spark their interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM).
The programme at the school was organised by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman’s (UTAR) Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS).
Throughout the programme, students were encouraged to experiment, collaborate and think creatively in challenges involving balance and stability, structural design, artistic expression and mathematics.
The activities provided an opportunity for them to experience learning in a different setting while developing skills such as critical thinking, communication, teamwork and problem-solving.
The programme was supported by 19 CFS academics, in collaboration with the school principal and teachers.
Among the activities were a series of hands-on challenge to experiment with simple objects to find their centre of gravity.
Rather than learning the concept theoretically, the students were able to test their ideas, observe the results and plan based on their observations.
The activity provided a practical introduction to scientific and engineering principles while encouraging curiosity and experimentation.
The participants also took part in a challenge to build the tallest paper tower.
Working in teams, they explored different shapes, structures and ways of connecting sheets of paper to create a free-standing tower that was both tall and stable.
Aside from being a construction challenge, the activity also encouraged the students to communicate ideas, work collaboratively and find solutions when their initial designs did not work as planned.
The programme also highlighted the creative dimension of STEAM, through arts and crafts.
Using a model picture as a reference, students created their own designs through a cut-and-paste activity.
While the activity encouraged artistic expression and attention to detail, it also demonstrated that creativity was an important part of the learning process.
Students were given room to interpret the reference in their own way and incorporate their ideas into their artwork, making each creation a reflection of their individual creativity.
Another activity was “Operation Codebreaker” using numeracy skills in a series of questions and challenges.
SMK Air Kuning principal Rosnah Othman said the activities exposed the students to interdisciplinary learning and helped prepare them for future challenges.
“By combining science, creativity and technology, the programme helps nurture innovators and critical thinkers.
“I look forward to seeing more such initiatives in our school.”
