STEM Center Africa
Promoting STEM Education in Africa and Beyond
Activities & Projects
Basic Computer Lessons (ongoing)
This is the first step for all the students we are mentoring (except for those with computer background).
We recognize that most students in many parts of Kenya and Africa do not have access to computer resources (ICT), hence they have limited knowledge of the same.
For that reason, our organization aims to provide basic and advanced computer training as we target to venture into STEM. Computer knowledge (how to use a computer), for us, is very key to implementing STEM education as it helps mediate most STEM activities.
Online resources for improving general computer familiarity (typing, clicking, etc.)
Best Typing Games For Students
This one has a whole list of typing websites/games, with reviews and descriptions of which ones are better for different uses (introduction, practice, fun, etc.).
This one is designed for toddlers so is very simple, but could be good for a very basic introduction and some practicing using the mouse and clicking.
Several kids’ level puzzle games. Has a couple of different languages, too.
Students taking computer classes
Tinkering (Designing 3-D objects)
This project aims to promote learning by doing, because it is true that doing is knowing. For this project, students will have the opportunity to design an object of their choice. With this, we are certain it will elicit a sense of innovation, creativity, abstraction, and actions that will help students to be able to solve different problems. 3D designers play a pivotal role in STEM education, leveraging tools like Tinkercad and SketchUp to inspire critical thinking and creativity. By utilizing these platforms, students engage in hands-on exploration, honing spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills essential in architecture and engineering. Through 3D design, learners conceptualize and prototype innovative solutions, bridging theory with real-world application, enriching STEM education.
This project aims to promote learning by doing, because it is true that doing is knowing!
Want to Tinker?
Getting started with Tinkercard:
Create your account here: Tinkercard
Then explore/play around with designing
New to tinkercard? Explore: Tinkercard tutorial
Activity 1
Create a 3-D version of any object of your interest. This can be your cup, house, table, etc.
Once you design the object, can you encrypt to it a name?
Share the object or link of your design here: Gallery , with a brief description of what it is or what it can achieve.
Designing a house using tinkercard
Object-to-think-with
Students beginning to 3-D design
Scratch Programming
Scratch Programming is a user-friendly platform that introduces students to coding through visual blocks. It nurtures computational thinking by encouraging logical reasoning and problem-solving. As students create interactive stories, games, and animations, they develop essential skills, fostering a mindset that extends beyond programming to various aspects of critical thinking and creativity.
Want to try?
Create your account here: Scratch programming
Watch tutorial here: Scratch tutorial
Guided demonstration on how to create first project using Scratch
Continue exploring and asking questions
Sample Activities...
Design any program of your choice
Explain how the program works e.g. codes you used and the intended purpose
Share the design or link to your design/program here: Gallery
Mathematical Activities
These activities aim to empower student's reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Employ different resources:
See more under virtual resources page
Creativity in Mathematics and Sciences Project (CMS)
This project will be conducted by Dr. Ashwin Vaidya, Munakata, and their 5 students. The project aims to promote creativity in mathematics and science thinking among students.
Here, students explore different airplanes designs, use paper to design them, then fly them and compare the distance each design can go and how the shape (nature of design) can affect the distance.
Here, students are doing scratch programming
Virtual Robotics
Virtual Robot Simulator is a simple, easy-to-use platform that allows FTC teams to program and test their robots without requiring access to physical hardware and mechanisms.
Robots and Robotics Programming
Robotics Programming
Basic Robotics Programming plays a pivotal role in cultivating students' computational thinking skills. By engaging in hands-on coding and problem-solving with robots, students develop a profound understanding of algorithms and logical sequences. This fosters critical thinking, enhances problem-solving abilities, and prepares them for future challenges in the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Students should learn Advanced Robotics Programming for its transformative impact. It hones problem-solving and logical reasoning, fostering critical thinking. This knowledge is increasingly vital in fields like automation and AI. Empowered with these skills, students can drive innovation, shaping the future of technology and contributing to societal progress.
EDsnaps STEAM Programs
EDsnaps' programs aims to inspire students to pursue STEM educational & career opportunities through hands-on workshops, internships and mentoring. Read more about EDsnaps here.
Vision
Increase diversity in the STEAM Workforce STEAM: Science,Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math
Mission
~ Inspire global STEAM-learners to become global STEAM-leaders ~
See the project in photos