Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics(STEM)

Challenges of STEM Learning and Teaching

High emphasis on "marks" and rote learning, rigid curriculum with little connect to "daily life" demotivates children and teachers. Hence, students lack critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills which are essential for social, cultural and economic development.

Guided Discovery Approach to STEM at Eikas Foundation

Eikas Foundation firmly believes that children inherently carry nascent seeds of inquiry and discovery which can be tapped for self-driven learning and holistic development. Our STEM Gym programs for children in schools, as well as at our learning centre in Anna Nagar, Chennai, are designed based on the above principle. We also do one-on-one mentoring for children with high motivation to pursue careers in science and engineering.

Our STEM programs are based on the following core structure and incorporate key features described below.

Core Structure of the Learning Process

  1. Children observe phenomenon
  2. Develop “guesses” for why the phenomenon occurs (hypothesis development),
  3. Test their hypothesis —experimentation
  4. Collect data, analyse and infer, and compare conclusions with initial guesses.

Key Features

  • Children internalize the "scientific method", questioning and inquiry — develop soft skills like confidence, spirit of inquiry beyond science, listening skills, team work, excitement to learn, not afraid to fail. In effect, they become independent learners in any field.
  • Conceptual learning grounded in everyday phenomena/activities which stimulate children’s natural curiosity and develop a love for science and learning.
  • Non-threatening/non-judgmental learning environment to help children "think freely" and feel "free to make mistakes"
  • Focus on "fundamental concepts" in science – step away from overloaded syllabus to help children learn the fundamental concepts very well
  • Scaffold learning with teasers/questions + activity/experience + group processes, children "converge" to "answer"
  • Concepts are aligned with the curriculum to help teachers see the potential to use these in their regular teaching
  • Activities are designed to help children engage despite literacy, numeracy and conceptual gaps
  • Focused set of 10 modules that can be transacted in 2-3 day slots every month
  • Continuous formative assessment to assess how children are learning and take corrective steps where needed
  • Integration of life skills like critical thinking, wellbeing, self-confidence – so that the learning process addresses children’s needs holistically

Reimagining Science Teaching for Low income Children

The original article was first published in The Blue Dot, Tech 2019 Special Issue, © UNESCO MGIEP 2020...


Read more

Concepts in Light

This video summarizes sessions on “Light” done with children in Classes 6 - 9 at the Anna Nagar...


Read more

Teacher Continuing Professional Development

We also offer support to teacher to help them faciliate STEM programs in their schools. The key features of our teacher continuous professional development programs are given below.

  • Respect, recognize and leverage teachers’ expertise and knowledge
  • Help them build an understanding of key science concepts where required
  • Hands on enquiry projects to help them experience the process of science investigation themselves
  • Space for peer learning and safe spaces to try, reflect and share ideas
  • Support to adapt these activities and take them to the classroom

If you are interested in any of our STEM programs, please feel free to contact us at contact@eikasfoundation.org