In an inspiring effort to make STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) more accessible and engaging, the Centre for Sustainable Nanomaterials (CSNano) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), in partnership with SJK(C) Woon Hwa, Kangkar Pulai, and Asia Metropolitan University, held the Science Camp 2024 on October 15. Designed as part of UTM’s corporate social responsibility, the event aimed to nurture a love for science and critical thinking skills among young students.
Overview of the Event
The Science Camp, held in the spacious Dewan Besar of SJK(C) Woon Hwa, welcomed 194 enthusiastic students from grades five and six. The program consisted of multiple sessions, each crafted to offer hands-on, experimental learning in a safe and supervised environment. Activities ranged from initial knowledge surveys to interactive science demonstrations, a knowledge quiz, and a closing ceremony with group photography.
Program Highlights and Activities
The camp kicked off with a knowledge survey to gauge the students’ initial understanding of science concepts, providing a benchmark for assessing the impact of the day’s activities. This was followed by a formal opening ceremony where SJK(C) Woon Hwa’s principal, Puan Hew Mee Peng, gave an encouraging speech to the students.
- Science Demonstrations and Experiments: Students were introduced to fundamental scientific concepts such as:
- Archimedes’ Principle: Facilitators demonstrated how objects displace water, helping students understand buoyancy.
- Boyle’s Law: Through experiments on gas pressure and volume, students saw practical applications of physics in daily life.
- Carbonation Reactions and Surface Tension: Students observed how chemical reactions work, particularly in the context of everyday substances.
- Neutralization Reactions: Facilitators explained acid-base reactions, a cornerstone in chemistry, using safe, relatable demonstrations.
- Student-Driven Experiments: Under the guidance of trained facilitators, students had the chance to perform experiments, fostering a hands-on understanding of science. These activities not only sparked excitement but also allowed students to experience the scientific process, developing their logical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
- Science Knowledge Quiz: To reinforce learning, a quiz session challenged students on the topics covered, with friendly competition and instant feedback from facilitators, further cementing the science concepts they learned.
Faculty and Student Involvement
The camp was organized by a dedicated team from UTM’s Faculty of Science, led by:
- Program Advisor: Assoc. Prof. Ts. ChM. Dr. Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik Malek
- Program Director: Assoc. Prof. ChM. Dr. Lee Siew Ling
- Deputy Director: Assoc. Prof. ChM. Dr. See Hong Heng
These faculty members, along with a team of 26 UTM students, including the student leader, Lee Ching Shien, facilitated the activities. They ensured the experiments were safe, engaging, and educational, providing a supportive environment for the young participants.
Sponsorship and Financial Support
The Science Camp 2024 was made possible through funding and in-kind contributions from:
- UTM’s Centre for Community and Industrial Network (CCIN)
- The James Dyson Foundation
- Daya Awana Industri Sdn Bhd
- Bashob Analytical PLT
- SJK(C) Woon Hwa’s Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG)
The total funding amounted to RM 4,500, which included contributions in cash and kind, ensuring a resource-rich experience for all participants.
Program Impact and Results
Following the day’s activities, a post-event survey showed a marked increase in the students’ understanding and enthusiasm for science subjects. The Science Camp’s structure and content contributed to a notable positive shift in the students’ perception of science as an exciting and approachable field of study. The practical, hands-on approach proved effective in not only educating but also inspiring students to pursue further learning in science and related disciplines.
Concluding Remarks
The event culminated in a certificate presentation ceremony officiated by Puan Hew Mee Peng, principal of SJK(C) Woon Hwa, recognizing the collaborative efforts of UTM staff, students, and industry sponsors. The group photography session captured the memorable day, celebrating a successful event that left a lasting impact on the students and reinforced UTM’s commitment to community engagement and science education.
Science Camp 2024 was a valuable initiative that connected students with scientific concepts in a fun, interactive way, creating a foundation for future curiosity and learning in STEM fields.
NewsHub
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 15 – To engage primary school students with the wonders of science, a STEM program titled “Science Camp 2024” was organized by the Centre for Sustainable Nanomaterials (CSNano), Ibnu Sina Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (ISI-SIR), and the Faculty of Science (FS) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The event was co-organized by Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Cina) (SJK(C)) Woon Hwa in Kangkar Pulai, Johor, and Asia Metropolitan University, Johor.