Discovering STEM at SciTech4U programme

Participants from SMK Bandar Puchong Jaya (B)

The fourth session of “Program SciTech4U STEM Camp MOSTI 2024” took place at UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 25 September 2024. It brought together 68 enthusiastic students and six dedicated teachers, namely Mr Ramzie bin Kamat, Ms Nurhazwany binti Aziz, Ms Rabiatul Adawiyah binti Zakaria, Ms Thanalatchmy Sathiahnathan, Mr Muhammad Zulhilmi Ghazali and Ms Zawahil binti Manaf from SMK Bandar Puchong Jaya (B) for a journey of discovery into the realm of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

The event offered an exciting opportunity for students to dive into the world of STEM through interactive and practical activities. It was organised by UTAR STEM Outreach, in collaboration with the Division of Programme Promotion and the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES), with the support of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Designed to ignite a passion for STEM among students, the event featured four workshop sessions, with participants divided into four groups. Each session focused on inquiry-based and hands-on learning experiences. Participants engaged in interactive activities that fostered creativity while honing their analytical and logical thinking skills.

Dr Hau demonstrating the technique to fly the drone

One of the most engaging workshops, titled Bengkel Pembelajaran Pengendalian Dron, was led by LKC FES academics Dr Hau Lee Cheun and Ir Dr Mun Hou Kit. In this session, students were introduced to the fundamentals of drone technology. They were also given the opportunity to fly the drones, which enabled them to understand the practical challenges and possibilities of drone operations.

Students experiencing the thrill of flying a drone

Dr Tan introducing the 3D printing process

Another workshop, titled Keajaiban Cetakan 3D, was led by LKC FES academic Dr Tan Weng Cheong. In this session, students were introduced to the 3D printing process, covering from initial design to finishing. He also highlighted the advantages of additive manufacturing such as the ability to create complex geometry, fast designing, mass customisation, reduced cost and the ability to build assembly in a single process. He explained that additive manufacturing is a method of creating 3D objects layer-by-layer using a computer-generated design.

Students learning about 3D printing technology

Mr Prakas introducing the equipment used to produce sanitiser

Pembuatan Sanitiser DIY was led by LKC FES lecturer Mr P. Prakas. The workshop equipped students with practical knowledge and skills to create their own hand sanitisers. They learned how to balance the formulation to ensure both safety and efficacy. The session also emphasised the importance of following proper procedures and maintaining high hygiene standards when producing personal care products.

Students measuring isopropyl alcohol for their sanitiser

Students making hand sanitiser

Students happily posing with their DIY sanitiser

Dr Yip explaining the stability of paper columns

Lastly, the Cabaran Membina Tiang Kertas workshop, led by LKC FES academic Ir Ts Dr Yip Chun Chieh along with Dr Chong Siaw Yah, helped enhance teamwork and problem-solving skills as students constructed sturdy paper structures. The students were tasked to construct paper columns and evaluate their structural integrity by stacking weights on top. The challenge encouraged participants to think critically about the principles of design and stability. Some students took it a step further, experimenting by adding extra weights to push their creations to the limit and exploring how much their paper structures could withstand before collapsing.

Students building their paper columns

Students evaluating structural integrity by stacking weights on top

By highlighting the significance of STEM in everyday life, the event also cultivated a lasting enthusiasm in students to pursue studies in STEM fields.

From left: Divya Lakshmi Velayan, Shireyla Shreen Ramachandran, Dhivya, Neeviya and Thrishaani

Dhivya Ramish, Neeviya Yugabala and Thrishaani Jothy shared, “Today’s workshops were fun and interesting. Besides making new friends, we got to learn a lot of new things that we don’t usually learn in school, like 3D Printing. This event was very helpful for us to learn about STEM and why we should join the Science stream in the future. For those who find STEM boring, today’s workshops would serve as a good experience for them.”

From left: Fong Yon Xuan, Cherish Chew and Gloria Darlovea showing their DIY sanitisers

Cherish Chew Qiao Shuann, on the other hand, shared that the event was fun and interesting because she learned how to conduct experiments and gained valuable experience at the event. “Among all the workshops conducted, the DIY hand sanitiser workshop was the most captivating,” she said and added, “STEM is important in our daily lives, as many aspects are related to Science and Technology. I would like to participate in future events like this.”

The day concluded with students heading home with newfound STEM knowledge