STEM workshops for SMK Horley Methodist students

On 13 August 2024, Dr Ong Kiah Ju, Head of STEM Outreach at UTAR, collaborated with the academic staff and students from the Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) and the Division of Programme Promotion (DPP) to organise an event under the “Program SciTech4U STEM Camp MOSTI 2024”, a programme funded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), at UTAR Kampar Campus.

The event, part of MOSTI’s initiative to promote STEM education, was supported by UTAR as a strategic partner. It featured several workshops, attracting 75 students and four teachers. The workshop sessions ran simultaneously, with participants divided into four groups. Each group rotated through four different workshop stations, each dedicated to a unique aspect of STEM education.

Students at the event

One of the workshops titled “Drone Experience Workshop”, was led by FEGT academic staff Dr Ahmad Uzair bin Mazlan and Ts Dr Lee Han Kee. During the workshop, Dr Ahmad briefed the students on drone operation, followed by Dr Lee, who demonstrated how to fly a drone. Furthermore, Dr Lee was also seen explaining the unique functions of drone to the participants.

Dr Ahmad briefing students on drone operation

Students watching in awe as the drones fly

The “3D Printing Workshop” was led by FEGT academic staff Dr Cheah Chew Keat, Ts Dr Ng Soo Ai, Dr Ong Yit Thai, and Ms Haw Pei Li. They explained the 3D printing process, beginning with creating the 3D model using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. The model is then sliced into thin horizontal layers using slicing software. After preparing the 3D printer by loading the appropriate material, the printer follows the slicing software’s instructions to build the object layer by layer. The students printed various unique 3D models, including dinosaur-shaped designs, which they were allowed to keep as souvenirs.

Students slicing up the 3D model using the slicing software

Students waiting for the 3D printer to print out their 3D models

Students satisfied with the results of the 3D models they have printed

Another workshop, titled “Build a Paper Column Challenge”, was led by FEGT academic staff Dr Kwan Wai Hoe and Dr Muhammad Hasnolhadi bin Samsudin. Dr Kwan explained how the activity is conducted, while Dr Muhammad Hasnolhadi guided the students as they participated in the activity. The students had to assemble three cylindrical paper columns as a base and stack cubes on them to test the stability of their constructions. The workshop session was both educational and enjoyable, teaching the students the importance of stability in infrastructure.

Dr Kwan explaining the procedure of building paper columns

Students attempting to build a stable paper column

Participants contented with their finished paper column

The last workshop, titled “Handmade Sanitiser Workshop”, focused on the importance of hygiene. FEGT academic staff Assoc Prof Dr Zafarullah Nizamani and Ir Ts Dr Wai Soon Han led the session, explaining the process of making sanitiser. Students were provided with the necessary ingredients and guided on how to mix them in the correct proportions to avoid creating a mixture that was too concentrated or too diluted. The workshop taught students about the chemicals found in sanitisers and emphasised the importance of keeping hands sanitised to prevent the spread of bacteria and disease.

Students paying attention to Dr Zafarullah

Students mixing ingredients to make the hand sanitiser

In addition to the Handmade Sanitizer Workshop, which emphasised the importance of hygiene, the other workshops introduced students to modern industry tools such as drones and 3D printers. These workshops effectively educated students on STEM topics, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to Good Health and Well-being (SDG3), Quality Education (SDG4), Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG6), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG8), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG9), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG11).

Students during the “Handmade Sanitiser” workshop