Empowering Young Minds: UTAR CFS STEAM Workshop

The group photo includes CFS lecturers, student helpers and participants

The UTAR Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) at Sungai Long Campus organised a STEAM workshop themed ‘Little Thinkers, Big Ideas: Exploring with STEAM’ from 7 to 8 March 2024, catering to 37 children, aged 8 to 12, who are either children of UTAR staff or their friends.

The workshop aimed to offer an inclusive and equal opportunity for young children to engage in an educational approach that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). Through hands-on learning experiences, children aged 8 to 12 are encouraged to develop problem-solving skills while fostering creativity and collaboration. This holistic approach not only promoted quality education but also empowered children to ask thought-provoking questions, nurturing their natural curiosity and inclination towards exploration.

Project leader CFS lecturer Ms Ngo Siau Woon said, “The idea of this event stemmed from the various STEM workshops previously conducted by CFS lecturers. Realising how these workshops can also benefit children of UTAR staff, their friends and the other kids within the same community, a group of us, mainly from the Management and Accounting Department, decided to pursue this idea with full passion, dedication and love. It took us a while to kickstart the project, but eventually, with support from CFS lecturers and some administrative staff, we managed to execute the plan even with minimal resources. “

She added, “Overall, we are happy to see the kids having lots of fun, socialising with each other, and learning from the STEAM programmes. Credit must also be given to the student committee and helpers; they were of great help to spice up the event, and the kids enjoyed the activities organised by the students so much. There was a lot of positive feedback from the kids and the parents. Going forward, we hope to emulate similar events in line with UTAR’s educational goal to promote STEAM and contribute to society.”

One of the activities held was the Kid’s Lab Adventure which included a soap-making workshop, a shrink plastic workshop, physics lab activities, fun games and movies. The programme arranged by the organiser emphasised teamwork and collaboration, providing a platform for children to enhance their social skills while enjoying the process of learning and discovery. The workshop ended with a group photography session and certificate awarding ceremony.

The kids having fun with Mickey Mouse

Soap-making workshop

Participants having a great time at the workshop

The organising committee members