Secondary school students gain practical experience at STEM workshop

Kuen Cheng High School was filled with joy and enthusiasm as 46 eager students participated in the “Innovative Minds: Hands-On Research and Engineering Workshop” on 27 July 2024.

UTAR team with 46 enthusiastic students from Kuen Cheng High School

The workshop aimed to provide students with practical experience through research, preparing them to navigate future research endeavours with ease. The workshop was organised by UTAR STEM Outreach in collaboration with Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES). The workshop marked the second session of the Mentorship Programme, offering UTAR students a chance to take on the role of mentors for school students by guiding them through hands-on activities.

The workshop began with an introduction to engineering research and development methods by LKC FES academic Dr Lee Yee Ling, with assistance from Dr Lim Ming Han, Chairperson of the Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction at LKC FES. Their workshop session ensured that students had a basic understanding of how research and development are conducted before diving into the activities.

Following this, LKC FES Head of Department of Civil Engineering Ir Ts Dr Yip Chun Chieh gave the students an inspiring talk on resource conservation through research and development, reinforcing the concepts introduced by Dr Lee.

Dr Lee (left photo) introducing the research methods to the students as the students pay close attention to her (right photo)

Postgraduate student Lee Tzyy Lih explaining the procedures of mortar mix

The workshop then proceeded with group activities where students were divided into smaller teams. Each group was given raw materials such as cement, sand, water, and paper cups. Postgraduate student Lee Tzyy Lih briefed them on the mortar mix procedure, helping them understand how to properly combine the materials to create a mortar mix. The students had the opportunity to experience the texture of both well-mixed and poorly-mixed mortar, giving them an example of the quality of mortar mix they should aim to achieve. With the guidance of Mr Lee and another postgraduate student named Chong Weng Khuen, the students were able to solve complicated engineering problems by using the right proportions of admixtures to achieve a suitable mortar mix for industrial use.

Students try to acquire the appropriate proportions for the mortar mix

This workshop aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Quality Education (SDG 4) and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9). It provided the students with knowledge and skills beyond the classroom, preparing them for future research challenges while also teaching them about mortar mix, an essential component of infrastructure development.

By the end of the workshop, the students gained valuable insights into research processes and enhanced their problem-solving skills. Before the workshop came to an end, Dr Yip encouraged the students to consider UTAR if they aspired to become outstanding researchers.