STEAM shala program

Objectivesof theProject:

• Toprovide fun based, hands-on learningexperience for the children – aligned with STEAM from grade 1 to 5.
• Tohelpchildrenimagine,conceptualize,andcreateusingDIYandhands-onlearningmethods
• Tonurture21stcenturyskillssuchasdesignthinking,criticalthinking,problemsolving, physical computing, collaborations, and adaptive learning.
• Identification of schools in Bengaluru and Mumbai locations. More than 12 schools were identified in Bengaluru through field visits and consultation with local education authorities.

KeyActivitiesconductedintheProject

-          One of the key criteria for selection was the schools were not aware of STEAM learning, yet they were much aware of STEM Science Labs, as many Government schools were dependent only on textbook-based theoretical teaching, a very few Teacher learning models were used during classroom sessions. Based on predefined criteria we carried out to establish this STEAM shala, from availability of classroom space, electricity connection, student strength, and willingness of school management.

-          Total of 7 schools were selected in Bengaluru. In Mumbai region, 10 schools were identified and assessed on similar parameters, and 7 schools were considered based on infrastructuregapandreadiness.Sincethese wereGovernment andAided schools,formal permission was obtained from the concerned Education Department authorities, along with written approval from Principals/Headmasters before implementation. A total of 14 Schools were selected from both the regions.

• A feasibility study was carried out by the coordinators in all 14 schools to verify ground realities before installation. The study included assessment of absence or inadequacy of classrooms, availability of dedicated or adaptable classroom space, electrical fittings, safety measures, and overall readiness of the school. Interaction with Headmasters and Subject teachers was conducted to understand existing science teaching practices. Request letters and official consent were collected from all 14 schools confirming their willingness to implement and sustain the STEAM shala program.
• Orientation toHM’s and Teachers werecarried out regardingthe importance of this project of setting up a STEAM shala. During the orientation, the objectives of the project, benefits of experiential learning, roles and responsibilities of the school, curriculum integration process, andsustainabilityexpectationswereclearlyexplained.Special emphasiswasgiventohow the STEAM shala would bridge the gap caused due to lack of facilities. HM and management shown interest and extended full cooperation for smooth implementation.
• Installation of STEAM shala: All 14 Schools in Bengaluru and Schools in Mumbai is installed with STEAM shala with Smart TV with content from class 1 to 5, TLM’s till the grade 5, DIY kits which are aligned with both SEP and NEPs. Installation was carried outafter receiving necessary permissions and completing feasibility verification. The process included  classroom  preparation,  layout  planning,  checking  of  electricalconnections,assembling models and demonstrating their usage to teachers. This converted classrooms that previously lacked science labs into structured practical learning spaces.
• Branding of STEAM shala: An attractive entrance Acrylic Board and Sun board is placed inside and outside the classroom with MERCK logo, providing students a vibrant welcoming experience. The branding created a distinct identity for the STEAM classroom within schools that earlier did not have a dedicated full-fledged classroom, enhancing visibility, ownership, and student motivation.

·         TeachersTraining:

Structured training workshops were conducted for science and mathematics teachers in all 14 schools. The training methodology included:

-          Hands-onpracticewithallTLMsandDIYkits

-          Digitalorientedteachingmethodology

-          Conceptalignmentwithtextbookchapters

-          Activity-basedlessonplanning

-          Labusageandorientation

-          Recordinganddocumentationprocedures

The objective was to ensure effective integration of STEAM shala activities into daily classroom teaching. A detailed Teachers Training Report has been documented separately.All teachers, irrespective of their subject specialization, were engaged in the training, which focused on explaining innovative teaching methodologies and practically demonstrating concepts using the STEAM models.

-          The training provided hands-on experience to teachers, and a few students were also involved as part of the practical sessions. Each session lasted 2 hours, and the feedback fromteachers were overwhelmingly positive. The training was conducted in the choice of their language, both in regional and English, ensuring better understanding.

-          Most of all Teachers irrespective of Subject specialization were trained on the STEAM Science facility in 14 Schools across Mumbai and Bengaluru Schools.

• STEAMshala_Closure_report_FY2526.docx (DOCX)