UTAR's STEM workshops ignite youth curiosity at SMJK Yu Hua

In an effort to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education among youth, Dr Ong Kiah Ju, Head of UTAR STEM Outreach, partnered with academic staff and students from the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES) and the Division of Programme Promotion (DPP) to organise a series of STEM workshops for 141 students at SMJK Yu Hua on 21 August 2024.

UTAR team at SMJK Yu Hua

Throughout the day, multiple workshops were held to spark students’ interest in STEM fields. The first workshop, titled “Balancing Forks and Cans”, was led by LKC FES student Foo Xin Yi. Participants learned about the centre of gravity as they balanced two forks on a glass can, demonstrating how objects can be stabilised when their mass is focused at one point.

LKC FES student Foo Xin Yi conducting the workshop

In another workshop, “Drinking Candle”, LKC FES student Law Zi Ning demonstrated how water is drawn into a glass after a candle’s flame is extinguished. This exercise taught students the principles of atmospheric pressure, as the lower pressure inside the glass allowed water to be pushed in by the higher external pressure.

A student and parent witnessing the Drinking Candle experiment

In addition to these physics-focused activities, two math-based workshops were also featured. “Math Bingo”, led by LKC FES student Elaine Khaw Xiang Ling, and “Maths Tic-Tac-Toe”, conducted by LKC FES student Tie Yan Eng, put a mathematical spin on traditional games, challenging students’ calculation skills while keeping the experience fun and engaging.

Students playing Math Bingo (left) and Math Tic-Tac-Toe (right)

Moving on from that, there was a workshop titled “Turmeric Paper Drawing” led by LKC FES student Teoh Yee Xin. The workshop allowed students to experiment with turmeric-treated paper that changes colour when exposed to alkaline substances, educating the students on the nature of alkali substances and the pH values.

LKC FES student Teoh Yee Xin teaching students about the nature of alkali substances

Dr Woo Kwan Kit from LKC FES conducted the “Ink Chromatography” workshop, where students explored the science behind chromatography and discovered the various dyes and pigments present in different inks.

Ink Chromatography workshop in progress

Lastly, the “BIM/Cubicost Demo” workshop, conducted by LKC FES academics Sr Dr Lim Cheng Sim and Ms Lay Pei Sin, introduced students to the digital processes of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Cubicost, tools essential for future civil engineers in managing construction projects through 3D modelling and analysis.

Dr Sim and Ms Lay demonstrating how BIM and Cubicost works to students

In addition, Ms Tan An Nie from DPP presented various programmes offered at UTAR, encouraging students to pursue further studies in STEM fields.

Ms Tan explaining the various programmes offered at UTAR to a parent

The workshops not only provide students with practical STEM knowledge but also aligned with several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-being (SDG3), Quality Education (SDG4), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG8), and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG9). It was a day well spent, offering valuable learning experiences for all participants.