The science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) train was driven by a team of experts under the leadership of Dr. Corrienna Abdul Talib and it arrived at SK Tebrau Bakar Batu (SKTBB) on June 19, 2019. Among the STEAM trailblazers were Dr. Chuzairy Hanri and Mrs. Hasnah Md Amin, lecturer and staff and they were joined by two postgraduate students, Faruku Aliyu and Usman Abubakar, all from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. These players were affectionately welcomed by the Principal of the School, Mr. Salim Hj Bakar.
Some of the activities they introduced to the 600 primary students, included the C.R.E.A.T.E. Project, Rocket Construction and Racing, Dragon Ball and Instant Ice Cream, the Catapult Challenge and Jumping Bean activity. The STEM programs were piloted by SKTBB staff, Mrs. Norliza Md Yusof and her team. This inspiring event guided students through an exciting learning environment where reasoning, thinking, collaborating and communication skills were awakened in the young and promising learners and once awakened, they displayed the vastly enhanced skills. The school staff were also not left on the sidelines of the exhilarating activities as they monitored the venue expressing their joy and happiness with their observations.
During the program, students were grouped into a five-member group and the necessary environment facility and equipment requirements for each of the activities were provided. With the support of the school management, the coordinator and her team organized, guided and controlled the students so they stayed focused and on course. Students were encouraged with praise and commendation words and they were reinforced in the form of gifts. The activities looked amazing when one observed how these little pupils of the primary school manipulated their interest and “hidden” talent in creating a rubber band car of the C.R.E.A.T.E. Project and Rocket Construction where both covered a long distance of run and flight. In fact, all the activities targeted astonishingly and remarkably enhanced the 21st-century skills, critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, collaboration and communication among these young learners. Looking at the faces of the little pupils and their teachers, one quickly realized that a mesmerizing moment was witnessed.
The program ended with a group photo of the year six pupils and the presentation of certificates of appreciation by the school management to the team members and their head, showing their gratefulness to the team and management of UTM for granting the school this sporadic and very rare opportunity. For a request for a STEAM program, please contact Dr. Corrienna Abdul Talib.
Written by Faruku Aliyu, Dr. Corrienna Abdul Talib and Dr. Rainer Zawadzki.