Month: February 2024

On 24th January 2024, there were 40 Students and Teachers from Rishi Valley School in Andhra Pradesh who came to visit STEM land. The Mathegramming team conducted a two-hour session with them. First, we started the session with Stand and Fear in “Radical Transformational Leadership”. Technology is value neutral and we talked about the values that we would like to embody when we use technology and also my socialized fear that does not support me being my full potential or embody my stand.

These sessions help to break our silos and work as a team in groups. Each student shared their name and qualities in different ways.

Explored STEM Activities

Following the workshop, the children were asked to challenge themselves and take up something they had not done before and the group explored various STEM activities. The students choose activities based on their interests. The categories included Puzzles, Mindstorms, Materials, Craftwork, Electronics, Scratch, and Games.

Showing STEMland concept materials like Integers, dines blocks, and Algebraic Identities to children they can see how these concepts are related to everyday life. Teaching students makes a big positive impact and it helps them to think critically and problem-solving skills. This way of approach not only benefits the children’s educational development but also makes collaborative learning with others.

In the electronics section, students were able to understand the uses of electronic devices such as voltage, resistors, and current, along with a multimeter. They gained knowledge in drawing circuit diagrams and calculating the daily consumption of current in their surroundings.

In the Mindstorm section, we had fun with robots. Step by step, we guided each other on how to build a simple robot, the connection of all the parts, and how to control our robots. It creates enthusiasm and joy in learning.

In the craftwork section, students and teachers participated in crafting Kirigami balls. They started by painting their sheets and observing the connection between creativity and critical thinking. After finishing the Kirigami balls, they made everyone happy.

After completing the learning experience students and teachers shared about what they learned and how it connects to real life.

Reflection from our Organization’s member

My name is Sharmila. I stand for courage and patience for myself and others. On January 24, 2024, a group of students, accompanied by their teachers, visited STEM Land. I volunteered to guide them in exploring the games. The students were enthusiastic and thoroughly enjoyed playing the games introduced to them, which were focused on logic and strategic thinking.  It was heartening to witness their engagement and enjoyment throughout the exploration. I believe that the gaming session at STEM Land provided a perfect platform for both fun and learning.

Udavi school conducted a fair on 26.01.2024. Students from different schools took part and many also conducted games from their side. Some games were based on physical activities and others involved a certain level of critical thinking. Some of the teachers from STEM Land supported children at Isai Ambalam School by making games that they wanted to present. We could see the efforts put in by the students for the preparation of each game. Many teachers and alumni also took part in the event. The participants happily took part in all the games they wished to play and appreciated the involvement and the commitment behind the hard work of the children. The school also organized lunch for all the children and all the participants. We had a nice time having food together. As a whole, the event turned out to be a good learning platform for everyone who took part in it.

Udavi school conducted a fair on 26.01.2024. Students from different schools took part and many also conducted games from their side. Some games were based on physical activities and others involved a certain level of critical thinking. Some of the teachers from STEM Land supported children at Isai Ambalam School with making games that they wanted to present. We could see the efforts put by the students for the preparation of each game. Many teachers and alumni also took part in the event. The participants happily took part in all the games they wished to play and appreciated the involvement and the commitment behind the hard work of the children. The school also organized lunch for all the children and all the participants. We had a nice time having food together. As a whole, the event turned out to be a good learning platform for everyone who took part in it.

Sundaresan:

When I was supporting children in making projects for the Udavi School Fair, I was able to notice the depth to which they can think and apply. While helping, I was able to give inputs to them and based on what they did on their own, I also learned different methods of approaching a task. I saw unity among children when they were allowed to work in groups. I also observed that many children came forward to contribute their best in completing the work. I was able to notice the acceptance among children as each of them shared their ideas for their projects. This was very different from what usually happens in classroom-based education.

Because of such events, unity, and courage to create were built among children from different schools. They were able to gain knowledge by observing and taking part in the games organized by their co-participants. I noticed the quality of leadership among children while conducting the games which usually doesn’t come if they just participate in the games organized by others. The efforts and interest levels of the kids went high as they prepared for the event. Irrespective of whether the project was complicated or simple, each child did their best. I even asked for the project’s use when they were designing. This made them think of the actual purpose of the work they were doing.

Santhosh:

For the Udavi school fair, we decided to make games with our Isai Ambalam school children, in my team I had 2 girls from 7th grade and 2 boys from 8th grade so we decided to make a game with magnets named “Magnetic Game”. In this game we can play with two players, First, we will give 15 magnets to each player so the total number of magnets is 30. we have a square base in cardboard on which a square margin is drawn so now without touching that margin we have to place these 30 magnets one by one, we can place the magnets anywhere within the square, at the same time when a player places a magnet on his turn it might get attracted with magnets placed before so in such case that player should take all attracted magnets. Finally, which player places all 15 magnets without any attraction, they are the ones called the winner.

I have participated in all other games that were organized by children and they were more logical and fun games and I had new ideas of games in this fair. In our school our children participated in this fair and they kept a magnetic game.

Ajay:

I supported Isaiambalam children in preparing games and purchasing materials for the Udavi School fair. The children shared their ideas and created new games. We had only two days to prepare, so the children worked with full potential to make it happen in such a short time. During the preparation, they worked as a team and supported each other. I also learnt some new games at the fair, which were challenging and required logical thinking. Everyone enjoyed the fair and participated in almost all the games and puzzles. This experience taught me the importance of preplanning for every activity I undertake.

Jayabharathy:

The school fair gave me an opportunity to mingle with children. Children from different schools came forward with interesting games. Every time I played a game, I appreciated the child for being creative. I even encouraged other children, who were participants just like me, to be at their full potential while playing the games. When I saw them feeling bad for not winning in a particular game, I talked to them and motivated them to be a little more concentrated when they go to the next game. I noticed the quality of happiness, equality and confidence within myself and people around me. I observed unity and joy among children and adults during the entire event.

Sri Bhavani:

In Udavi school Fair, children and teachers were worked together and created wonderful space for the children from other school to engage and participate in the thoughtful games. Children were created games like maze using hydraulic pressure, recreating the animals using shapes like different types of triangles, quadrilaterals etc. All the children were engaged in participating and showcase their creative ideas with other school children. In this event, every child was able to engage themselves through psychic, mental and physical being.

Poonguzhali:

I enjoyed the fair games with the children. Children were creating many games. They were all united despite of distinct organizations. Children were at their full potential. I took part in many games. I won in button game. It involved a lot of concentration. I was given a handful of buttons, all mixed in colours. This game involved collecting buttons of same colour and putting them in separate bowls within the given amount of time. I felt that it was a good exercise for both my hands and my brain. I noticed that when I played this game, I gained more confidence and concentration.   

Sivaguru Prasath:

It was really fun and entertaining to participate and play the games conducted by our school kids. I learnt how to compete to win each game, not in a single attempt but many trails. Children were really good in conducting games in disciplined and sportive manner. The children prepared game kits and crafts on their own, without anyone else’s help. That was one thing I admired about self-learning.

Narmadha:

The school fair began with an exciting tug-of-war game, it was quite interesting to see everyone getting involved. Following that, students from other schools started organizing games in their stalls. These games tested both physical and mental abilities and were open to everyone – kids, teachers, and others.

What stood out was that there were no prizes for the games, but everyone was still eager to join in. Children were helping each other out and arranging various games. I got a chance to be part of all the games, and it was quite interesting. The main thing I learned from this experience is that I shouldn’t just stick to what I already know. I should explore new opportunities and support others along the way.

A group of homeschoolers along with their parents visited stemland on Thursday – 28th december 2023 to explore new ways of learning. The Mathegramming team welcomed them wholeheartedly. We started the session with Stand and Fear, through stand they get to know who they are and what they deeply care about. And while doing fear they get to know about their socialized fears. 

They did all sorts of exciting things like:

Scratch programming, Electronics, Solving cast puzzles, Exploring Math materials, Games, Kirigami art, Mindstorms.

SCRATCH

          Through Scratch, kids get to be really creative and have a lot of fun. They learn how to think in a different way and solve problems by making their own stories, games, and animations. Scratch helps them understand simple coding ideas like loops and sequences while having a great time.

Reflection from Ilakyaarasi

          My name is Ilakyaarasi. I stand for patience and courage for myself and others. I learnt that I need to think of a more creative way for children to have an interest in working with scratch. I worked with two children from scratch, I gave an introduction of how it works then gave a task to them. Then, they were able to think and complete it on their own. I saw the feeling of accomplishment when they completed the task. I also learned different ways to solve the given task by myself.

ELECTRONICS

          Parents and childrens from homeschoolers explored electronics. They learnt Concept of Body resistance using conducting gel. Simple circuit using LED, Resistor,

switch and battery. How to find the Breadboard connection using a connectivity test in the multimeter. With a Multimeter how to measure the battery voltage, To check the working of LED, How the 7 segment display works and given tasks which alphabet can’t be displayed in the 7 segment.

Reflection from Dinesh

          My name is Dinesh,I stand for peace and Perseverance for myself and for others. While starting to explain the concepts to the group I was little bit nervous and when they started to ask questions about concepts I gave my answers with an analogy that made them understood the concepts and I felt confident on myself and started to answer for their questions confidently .While introduced the concept of body resistance ,everyone in my group was excited (especially children)to know their body resistance that gave an idea how can I change my way of explaining concepts to the children I am working with.

SOLVING CAST PUZZLES

          When kids and parents solve a cast puzzle, it seems challenging to them. First off, it helps them figure out problems and think really hard. They were patient and did not give up, even if the puzzle is tricky and they start noticing how shapes fit together. It’s like a fun game that makes them focus and pay attention, and when they finally solve it, they feel really proud of themselves.

Reflection from Premkumar:

          My name is Premkumar. I stand for self-confidence and happiness for myself and others. I supported the Mathegramming team in this workshop. I got to engage with a lot of new people and I had a wonderful experience. When I show the Cast Puzzle to others, I notice each person thinks in different ways and possibilities to solve puzzles. I also learnt how different people solve problems. I enjoyed it a lot throughout this session.

EXPLORING MATH MATERIALS

          When we explore math materials, the parents and kids find it more interesting that they are able to learn math with things they can touch and move around. It makes learning more fun and helps them understand the concept even better. When kids use objects like blocks to learn math, they get to remember the ideas more easily.

Reflection from Soundhariya

          My name is Soundhariya. I stand for care and perseverance for myself and others. Showing STEMland concept materials like Fraction, Integers, and Dines blocks to children and their parents they can see how these concepts are related to everyday life. Teaching with students makes a big positive impact and it helps them to think critically and problem-solving skills. This approach not only benefits the children’s educational development but also makes collaborative learning with others. When parents actively participate in all the STEM concepts, they become more aware of their child’s improvement.

GAMES

          The children and parents explored a few games in stemland like Azul, Dimension, sputnik and kabaleo. When they explore these games, they pick up skills like logical thinking and problem-solving and also they learn about patterns and strategies. These games teach them to work together and have fun as a team. So, while enjoying the game they end up picking up skills like strategy, creativity, and teamwork.

Reflection from Sharmila

My name is Sharmila, and I deeply care about courage and patience, both for myself and others. I introduced some selective games to the students and their parents. Initially, I felt anxious and nervous about interacting with them, but when I focused on my stand, I was able to overcome the fear and engage with them. While playing the games, I noticed that almost everyone enjoyed themselves, and some parents even took note of the game names due to their cognitive engagement. I also observed that some students enjoyed playing a particular game multiple times, while others were keen on exploring all the games I had prepared for them. The enthusiasm and energy shown by them during the exploring the games, left me astonished. I am delighted to be a part of this experience.

KIRIGAMI

 As they start to fold and cut, they also learn about shapes, symmetry, pattern and coordination. Kirigami helps them understand how different folds and cuts can turn a simple piece of paper into amazing 3D creations. It’s like learning a special kind of art that combines creativity and a bit of paperwork.

Reflection from preethi

          My name is Preethi. I stand for courage, kindness and perseverance for myself and others. I taught kids and parents how to make Kirigami balls. Before we started making kirigami balls the parents were more excited about how we are going to make a ball with a few pieces of paper. First we started with coloring the paper, some colored the paper some drew the patterns in there paper. It’s kind of like playing with colors and shapes to make their own special designs. And also they were more focused and patient in what they are doing and when we completed I saw the satisfaction and joy in their faces. I personally enjoyed the session and got to engage with new people.

MINDSTORM

          Through constructing and programming their robots, children develop essential skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It helps children with logical thinking, teamwork, and perseverance. Mindstorms provides an engaging and interactive platform that makes learning enjoyable and effective for young minds.

Reflection from Sivashankar

          My name is Sivashankar. I stand for courage and equality for myself and others. Playing with things like Mindstorms, which involves building robots and programming them, is really good for kids. It helps them understand science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in a fun way. It also teaches them how to solve problems and not give up when things get tough. When they make mistakes, they learn from them and keep trying. Overall, playing with Mindstorms doesn’t just teach technical stuff; it helps kids become well-rounded and ready for a world that relies a lot on technology.