Latest news with #STEMClub
Borneo Post
24-04-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
Golden melon harvest marks success for SK Kampung Baru students under AgriSTEM programme
Dr Shiamala gives a thumbs-up while a student picks a golden melon. BINTULU (April 24): Members of the STEM Club from SK Kampung Baru successfully completed the harvest of golden melons today as part of Module IV: Pick and Savor in the AgriSTEM programme. This module focuses on hands-on activities such as harvesting crops and creating products based on farm yields, allowing students to experience the entire process from planting and harvesting to product creation and sales. University Putra Malaysia Bintulu Sarawak Campus (UPMKB) through its Faculty of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences (FSPH), has taken an innovative step to bridge agriculture and modern education through the AgriSTEM programme. 'This initiative aims to introduce students to fundamental agricultural concepts by integrating them into the Science, Technology, Engineering, And Mathematics (STEM) curriculum,' said Dr Shiamala Devi Ramaiya. The senior lecturer in the Department of Crop Science, FSPH noted that the programme also seeks to instil an appreciation for food production, environmental sustainability, and the critical role of agriculture in daily life. 'The agricultural sector is crucial to Malaysia's economy and food security, yet it faces a declining interest among youth,' she said, adding that many young people still perceive agriculture as a traditional and unappealing career path due to limited exposure to modern practices. To address this, the AgriSTEM programme offers a year-long, hands-on learning experience integrating STEM principles into agriculture. It currently involves 40 pupils and has been running with the same group since 2024, providing them with continuous exposure and practical skills in modern farming. Four key modules were designed to enhance students' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, ensuring STEM elements are seamlessly embedded in their learning. The programme began with Module 1, which focused on golden melon cultivation through a three-part series that applied Science and Mathematics both theoretically and practically. This included calculating fertilisers dosages, analysing soil PH, determining substrate needs, and understanding soil structure for improved productivity and fruit quality. A hands-on planting session was conducted at the nursery, where 200 polybags of golden melons were cultivated using modern, sustainable methods within a net house. Pupils were also involved in preparing the substrate mix ― gaining practical experience in soil science and the importance of a well-balanced growing medium. Module 2 focuses on DIY Hydroponics, while Module 3 explores the use of drones in agriculture ― integrating technology and engineering components into farming education. 'By embedding STEM into agricultural education, AgriSTEM aims to modernise the perception of farming, making it more relevant, engaging, and valuable to today's youth,' Dr Shiamala added. AgriSTEM Bintulu golden melon SK Kampung Baru
Al Bawaba
21-04-2025
- Science
- Al Bawaba
School of Life Projects Triumph at Beijing Science Competition
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced the remarkable achievements of students from the STEM Club—a key part of the School of Life project under the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy—at the 44th Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition (BYSCC). The participants won three silver medals and placed second globally at Asia's leading youth innovation event. The results reflect Dubai Culture's commitment to empowering future generations and nurturing their capabilities, while reinforcing the emirate's position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. This success followed an intensive eight-week training programme at Al Twar Public Library, delivered under the Impact Track, one of the core educational pathways within the STEM Club. Guided by expert mentors from Baseet, students developed revolutionary, research-driven technology projects that qualified for international competition. The winning entries featured three innovative solutions that use artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle urgent environmental and societal challenges. Under the mentorship of Eng Mohamed Amarneh, students Adam Serhan, Sultan Ahmed Almarzooqi, Mohammed Ahmed Al Mansoori, and Zynah Mansoor submitted the 'AI-Powered UAV System for Rapid Victim Detection in Natural Disasters,' which uses advanced AI to locate victims quickly and accurately during emergencies, thereby accelerating response efforts. Meanwhile, supervised by Eng Anas Habboub, participants Saif Omar, Sarah Ali Majdalawi, Mohamed Hisham, Mohamed Salah, and Mohamed Yousef created the 'Intelligent Irrigation and Filtration System for Enhanced Sustainability in Precision Agriculture,' designed to optimise water usage by monitoring soil moisture and purifying water through integrated technologies. The third project, the 'AI-powered Smart Waste Sorting Bin for Sustainable Waste Management,' was made by Matteo Angelo Coo Tolentino, Aarav Agarwal, Amin Wahby, Joumanah Al Aidarous, Hayam Khalfan, and Alya Saif Ahmed Saeed under Eng Reem Siripl and Eng Nael Elashi. It automatically sorts waste to support efficient recycling and foster sustainable community practices. Commenting on the achievement, Eiman Al Hammadi, Manager of the Libraries Affairs Section at Dubai Culture, said: 'This accomplishment embodies our ongoing investment in young talent and reinforces the vision of the School of Life as a dynamic model that transforms public libraries into vibrant community spaces. By merging knowledge with technology, these initiatives help develop cultural, creative, and life skills across generations. The Impact Track, which combines theoretical learning with hands-on experience, equips young innovators to represent the UAE on international platforms.' The UAE delegation to BYSCC 2025 included students from the American School of Creative Science, the International School of Choueifat, and Hemaya Schools. Their achievements are the product of collaborative efforts and dedicated mentorship, and they reflect the immense potential of the nation's youth.
