Curtin Malaysia lecturers promote the virtues of STEM to students of rural primary school

Miri – 31 July 2023 – In a bid to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and inspire young minds, lecturers from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently conducted an outreach programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kuala Baram, a rural primary school about 37 kilometres from Miri City. The initiative aimed to expose students to the exciting possibilities and opportunities available through STEM subjects.

The event, organised by Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, brought together a team of three passionate lecturers – Associate Professor Bridgid Chin Lai Fui, and associate lecturers Vivian Dayong and Nong Nurnie Binti Mohd Nistah – who were determined to instill a love for STEM in young learners. The trio engaged with 23 students ranging from 8 to 12 years of age, introducing them to various STEM concepts through an interactive workshop and hands-on activities.

During the programme, the students had the opportunity to participate in engaging experiments, practical demonstrations, and collaborative projects with interesting names like ‘Sustainable pH Indicator’, ‘Rainbow Density Water’, ‘Water Hydraulic Excavator’, and ‘Structural Building Challenge’.

During the ‘Sustainable pH Indicator’ activity, the students learned about acids and bases, pH levels, and the importance of monitoring the pH of various substances in the environment. They got to create their own sustainable pH indicators using natural materials, such as red cabbage extract, to test the acidity or alkalinity of different liquids, as well as observed colour changes in the indicators and related them to the pH scale, gaining a better understanding of environmental chemistry and the significance of maintaining balanced pH in ecosystems.

The ‘Rainbow Density Water’ activity introduces the concept of density and its impact on liquids. The students layered different coloured liquids with varying densities (such as water, oil, and syrup) in transparent containers, and as the liquids settled, a mesmerising rainbow effect was created due to the separation of densities. Through this activity, the students explored the principles of density, buoyancy, and fluid behaviour, fostering an interest in physics and fluid mechanics.

The ‘Water Hydraulic Excavator’ activity challenged the students to build a water-powered hydraulic excavator using simple materials like syringes, tubing, and cardboard. This enabled them to learn about hydraulic systems and how they amplify force to lift heavy objects. By constructing their mini excavators, they gained insights into engineering principles, fluid dynamics, and the practical applications of hydraulics in real-world machinery.

The ‘Structural Building Challenge’, meanwhile, was a team-based activity that encouraged creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Each team of students was given a set of materials, such as straws, popsicle sticks, and tape, and tasked with designing and constructing a sturdy structure that could withstand various stresses, such as those induced by significant weight, wind, or earthquakes. The activity helped the students explore concepts of architecture, load distribution, and the importance of durable structures in sustainable construction.

This programme at SK Kuala Baram was part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative hosted by Curtin Malaysia’s Health, Counselling and Disability Services Department, involving staff of the university’s International Student Office, Campus Services Department, Office of Research and Development, Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Science, and School of Pre-U & Continuing Education, as well as student leaders. This ongoing initiative aims to empower young minds, strengthen community ties, and pave the way for a brighter future for rural students and the wider local community.

Associate Professor Chin emphasised the importance of early exposure to STEM education, stating, “STEM education plays a vital role in preparing students for the future, equipping them with problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills. By introducing STEM subjects to students in local schools at an early age, the Curtin Malaysia STEM Outreach Programme aims to nurture their interest and create a strong foundation for their academic and professional pathways.”

Director of Health, Counselling and Disability Services, Dr. Adeline Wong, added that the collaboration between Curtin Malaysia and SK Kuala Baram was an exceptionally rewarding experience for both the lecturers and the students. The programme not only piqued the curiosity of the young learners but also helped them develop an appreciation for the real-world applications of STEM in daily life.

She said Curtin Malaysia is committed to assisting rural primary schools in enhancing their STEM curriculum and providing ongoing support. She said she and her colleagues Vivian and Nong Nurnie are most keen to support future collaborations, including mentorship programmes and further outreach initiatives, in order to continue nurturing a passion for STEM among students in Miri.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit https://s44937.p1679.sites.pressdns.com or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Assoc Prof Bridgid Chin engaging with the students in the ‘Rainbow Density Water’ activity

Assoc lecturer Nong Nurnie in an interactive session with the students

Assoc lecturer Vivian Dayong getting students to try out an experiment

Students taking part in the ‘Water Hydraulic Excavator’ activity

Students applying engineering concepts in ‘Structural Building Challenge’