A scientific idea that “came from” the tsunami

Alexander told TNIE that the state government has introduced Vanavil Mandram, a program aimed at instilling scientific interest among government school students during the academic year 2022-2023 in government schools.

“The school education department focuses on teaching students science and math concepts in STEM education. Therefore, I decided to teach the remaining two concepts of technology and engineering in STEM education to corporate school students. STEM education will change the way students think through five key behavioral changes: moving from Yes to Why, Looking to Observing, Passivity to Discovery, Playbook to Action, and Fear to Confidence. Alexander explained.

When asked how he came up with the idea to improvise the plan, he said, “I sought permission from the Coimbatore Corporation, explaining to them the importance of STEM education. We then started providing STEM training programs such as explaining engineering and technology concepts and conducting experiments on various simple topics in 20 corporate schools. We received good response from students. It was soon equipped with over 80 models in the fields of science, mathematics and robotics, equipped with STEM panels with digital content.”

As part of these programs, they also organize construction workshops for students on the construction of a telescope, a mini satellite and a drone workshop. Alexender said they also prepare students to create an innovative model to find solutions. Before Children’s Day on November 14, they will present their working models in STEM, and on graduation day on the same day they will be announced as young innovators. Discussing future workshops, he said students are looking forward to World Science Day on February 28, 2025, during which they plan to launch a small satellite within a 20-30 km radius.