Hands-on STEM workshops inspire 113 young minds from SMK Seri Sentosa

SMK Seri Sentosa teachers and students with UTAR staff and students at the end of the event

To promote hands-on learning and enhance STEM education, UTAR STEM Outreach partnered with the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES), the Division of Programme Promotion (DPP), and the UTAR Surgical Society (USS) to organise a series of STEM workshops for 113 Form 4 and Form 5 students from SMK Seri Sentosa on 23 May 2024.

The first workshop, titled Ecosystem of Building Structure, was led by Ir Ts Dr Yip Chun Chieh with assistance from Dr Gan Chin Heng of LKC FES. Dr Yip explained how civil engineers construct buildings and manage loads using scaled models. Students participated in a game called Utilising Limited Resources to Build a Column that is Sustainable with the Load Given, where they designed their own columns.

The second workshop, Heartbeat Heroes: A STEM Workshop on Cardiac Health and CPR, focused on cardiac health and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques for adults. It was led by Dr Yan Naing Soe, Head of the Department of Surgery at M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (MK FMHS) and advisor of USS, along with USS students. They demonstrated the use of an Electrocardiogram (ECG) machine to monitor heart activity. During the campus visit, Yap Wen Hong, an undergraduate student and SMK Seri Sentosa alumnus, shared his university experiences with the students.

SMK Seri Sentosa students learning CPR techniques for adults

UTAR ambassadors and student helpers guided the participants on an extensive campus tour, showcasing the university’s excellent facilities, vibrant student life, and diverse academic departments. The tour allowed students to experience the campus environment firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of the resources and support available at UTAR.

The event aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By promoting STEM education and hands-on learning experiences (SDG 4: Quality Education), the workshops enhanced students’ knowledge and skills in science and technology, preparing them for future careers in these fields. The focus on cardiac health and CPR training supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by equipping students with essential life-saving skills and raising awareness about heart health. The "Ecosystem of Building Structure" workshop emphasised sustainable engineering practices, contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by encouraging innovative thinking and sustainable resource use in construction. Additionally, by showcasing the university’s facilities and vibrant campus life, the event supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by highlighting the importance of inclusive and sustainable educational environments that foster community engagement and development.

Students designing their column at the first workshop

Demonstration on how to obtain an ECG from a patient

Yap sharing his university life journey