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Svarnim’s approach to promoting STEM education involves transforming scientific principles and theories into practical activities that actively involve young students from an early age. In contrast to the traditional chalkboard-based (theory-based) teaching method employed in government and government-aided schools, Svarnim has launched a practical learning-based STEM initiative. This program involves conducting experiments to teach fundamental concepts, and the key resource persons, i.e., teachers, have undergone specialized training. These teachers will be responsible for monitoring and instructing students in their respective schools.
Svarnim has added a new chapter to our mission of providing excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Arts & Humanities, and leadership development for students at the middle, high, and higher secondary levels. With a focus on hands-on learning, fostering human values, promoting social and environmental responsibility, and nurturing leadership qualities, our aim is to revolutionize science education by encouraging children to explore and discover scientific concepts first-hand. Ms. Kayalvizhi, Ms. Preethi, and Ms. Reshma have joined the STEM Resource Centre Project. In preparation for an upcoming training workshop in New Delhi in September 2022, the team has already participated in online interactive sessions facilitated by Ms. Anshumala Gupta. These sessions have laid a strong foundation for enhancing the team's capacity to deliver experiential learning sessions. We anticipate that the workshop will further equip our dedicated educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct engaging and empowering experiential learning sessions for students.
During November '22, outreach programs in four schools and a science exhibition at Government High School, Vadhanur, captured the interest of 207 students. Demonstrations on Sound, Liberation of Gases, and Parts of a Flower sparked their curiosity. Divided into small groups, students actively participated in discussions, experiments, and interactive sessions. This hands-on approach complemented formal learning, promoting engagement and collaboration among peers and teachers. The programs and exhibition effectively nurtured scientific curiosity, inspiring wonder and exploration in the students.
Throughout August and September '22, a series of online workshops were conducted to enhance the skills and knowledge of the STEM team. Svarnim anticipate that this program will soon evolve into a crucial Science Resource Center for Puducherry. The STEM Resource Centre team consists of Cayalvizhi, Preethi, and Reshma, with Geetha leading the team. They participated in a hands-on experiential science workshop held at IIT Kanpur's Outreach Centre in New Delhi from September 19th to 24th, 2022. This training program was a collaborative effort between SAS and JoLF (Joy of Learning Foundation), that is headquartered in New Delhi. Its primary objective is to enhance the capabilities of teacher-trainers in employing experiential pedagogy for teaching Science topics. Teacher trainers from Puducherry, Odisha, and the NCR (National Capital Region) attended this event. Once the schools reopen after the Pooja Holidays, in the first week of October 2022, the Svarnim team will commence the local training programs.
In November '22, Svarnim conducted outreach programs in four schools and a Science Exhibition at Government High School in Vadhanur. A total of 207 students benefited from these programs, showcasing their curiosity and enthusiasm during engaging demonstrations on themes like Sound, Chemical Reactions, Parts of a Flower, etc. This experiential approach not only facilitated deeper exploration of topics but also enhanced formal learning by promoting collaboration between students and teachers. Pamphlets were also distributed to give more information about the program.
During December 2022, Science outreach programs were conducted in seven schools in Puducherry, benefitting 425 students. Six of the schools were High Schools and one was a Middle School. These programs were designed to introduce students to STEM fields.
Under the direction of the Sri Aurobindo Society, Svarnim Puducherry's STEM team conducted a physics session at GHS Sellipet for 10th-grade students. The session covered the concepts and usage of ammeters, voltmeters, and resistors. Students investigated how ammeter readings varied for copper and nichrome wires and gained hands-on experience with the heating effect of electric current and Ohm's law.
A total of 37 students — 21 boys and 16 girls — participated in this interactive showcase. Over the course of 7 days of intensive training, the students explored key science concepts and experimented with engaging demonstrations. From Acid-Base reactions to Chemical transformations, and from the principles of light—reflection and refraction to other everyday wonders, the students not only learned but confidently presented their projects to fellow students, parents, and the Svarnim team. The exhibition was more than a display — it was a reflection of empowered learning. Children led the way in explaining concepts, troubleshooting setups, and making science accessible and exciting.
As we wrap up the academic year, it's time to compile the comprehensive academic report of our STEM program, highlighting key activities, student engagement, learning outcomes, and overall impact. Alongside this, we will begin preparing core concepts and planning resources for the upcoming academic year, ensuring that our curriculum is engaging, hands-on, and aligned with the latest educational standards. To make science education more hands-on and engaging, a two-day Teachers Workshop on Science Concepts will be held at Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry on April 10th & 11th. Designed for primary and middle school teachers, the workshop focuses on simplifying classroom teaching through interactive experiments and activity-based learning. Sessions run from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM each day. The registration fee includes refreshments and lunch. For details and registration, contact +91 81900 37932.
Topic: Acids, Bases, and Salts Session started for Class 7 students at Government High School, Pillaiyarkuppam.
April brought a wave of curiosity and discovery as STEM sessions unfolded across government schools in Puducherry. Through interactive lessons in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, students explored concepts like chemical reactions, nutrition in plants, microorganisms, and the physics of light. Two full-day science workshops immersed students in dynamic experiments covering centripetal force, electromagnetism, combustion, and more - making science come alive beyond the classroom. Students from schools such as GHS Pillaiyarkuppam, SVRGHS Maducarai, SRSGHSS Saram, and TVTGHS Ariyankuppam were among the many enthusiastic participants. This month, the STEM initiative continued to inspire young minds through hands-on learning and scientific exploration.
Topic: Fundamental Unit of Life Session started for Class 9 students at Elango Adigal Government Higher Secondary School, Muthiraiyarpalayam.
Topic: Electricity Session started for Class 10 students at Government High School, Pillaiyarkuppam.
STEM biology session started at GHrSS,Alankuppam for STD IX Topic: Fundamental unit of life
Session on “Fundamental Unit of Life” commenced at Calve College Government Boys School.
Reflection and refraction session initiated for Class 10 students at Calve College Government Boys Higher Secondary School.
Topic: Reflection and Refraction Session commenced for Class 10 students at Elango Adigal Government Higher Secondary School.
Topic: Acids, Bases, and Salts Session started for Class 10 students at Government High School, Pillaiyarkuppam.
Topic: Acids, Bases, and Salts Session started for Class 7 students at TPG Government Higher Secondary School, Ariyankuppam.
Topic: Microorganisms: Friend and Foe Session started for Class 8 students at TPG Government Higher Secondary School, Ariyankuppam
A hands-on Chemistry STEM session was conducted at IAGHSS, Mutharayarpalayam for Std X students, focusing on the topic of chemical reactions. Through interactive experiments and guided learning, students explored key reaction types, observed real-time changes, and connected textbook concepts to real-world phenomena. The session aimed to make science more engaging and experiential, fostering deeper curiosity and understanding.
India has a young population, with an average age of 29 and around 28% of the population being youth. However, there has been a growing focus on utilizing this demographic dividend to drive economic progress. Sri Aurobindo Society aims to contribute to this goal by establishing a STEM Resource Centre catering to students from middle, high, and higher secondary levels.
The centre will not only focus on academic lessons but also cultivate human values, social and environmental responsibility, and leadership qualities in children. The current rote-learning based education system primarily focuses on memorization techniques to help students clear examinations. However, the STEM resource centre aims to bridge the gap by providing hands-on learning experiences and simulations that will prepare students to solve real-world problems faced by industries, governments, and communities.
Experiential learning is rooted in the belief that “experience is the best teacher.” Learning experiences that take place outside the classroom can be highly effective in enhancing learning and fostering personal and social development. Students who engage in such experiences have higher levels of motivation, better recall of course material, and improved academic performance. Early field experiences can be particularly formative and can inspire students to pursue their interests further.
STEM-based experiential education that focuses on the students’ lived environment can also play a vital role in protecting nature. By raising appreciation of nature, imparting scientific problem-solving skills, and instilling a sense of responsibility, students can become inventors of solutions rather than mere users of existing knowledge. The opportunities for growth and progress are limitless for a young India that creates capabilities for educational growth and new solutions.
If you have an innovative idea for bringing a positive change in Puducherry, join hands by sharing it with us in driving Puducherry to become a model Union Territory.