STEM EDUCATION TO RURAL STUDENTS

• Most of the government primary schools of Vetapalem Mandal, Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, do not have any opportunity for STEM Learning (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Moreover, the parents of the students come from the fishermen community, weaving community, farming community, daily wage workers and do not have proper education.           
• However, in rural areas parents and students have a desire to take up technical or engineering courses in their higher studies. For this, it is very important to have a very good foundation in the fundamentals of mathematics and science subjects. However, in rural areas, students don’t have basic skills and knowledge of mathematics and science subjects. Activity-based learning is essential to have a strong foundation in any subject. In rural areas, there are no activity-based learning opportunities in science and mathematics. The teaches do not have either science labs or equipment or experience to provide activity-based teaching and learning. This is no opportunity of providing experiential learning. Though the students have hidden talent there is no opportunity to sparkle curiosity or nurture their creativity. The students in the rural area do not have any opportunities to visit and participate in science fairs. 

• Bandla Bapaiah Vidya Samsthala Committee already has experience in operating a science lab in its High School campus. This was established by Agastya International Foundation of the highest reputation in providing practical science knowledge.
• With this experience, it is now proposed to provide science and mathematics labs on a motorbike to provide STEM education to nearby 12 Government primary schools of Vetapalem Mandal. Two teachers well trained by Agastya International Foundation shall carry science and maths kits in two different boxes of different topics as per time table of the day on a motorcycle to a particular school and conducts the class to the students. They also provide special skills to school teachers to upgrade their skills. They will also encourage peer to peer learning. They also identify brilliant students and train them to become Young Instructors. They ignite curiosity among the students and nurture creativity. The teaching will be completely activity-based. The teachers will also organize quiz competitions. They encourage the students to ask questions. The teacher also organizes a science fair once in 6 months. The main Agastya Scentre Centre at BBVSC will act as a training Hub for Primary School Teachers of Vetapalem Mandal.

From the past experience of Labs on Bike, we expect to reach out to 1200 primary school students and around 75 primary school teachers belong to 12 primary schools in Vetapalem Mandal. Labs on bikes will have the following impact.

• Students will develop strong fundamentals in science and maths.
• The well trained Agastya teachers shall ignite curiosity and nurture the creativity of students.
• The teachers will identify and train the young instructors to develop teaching attitudes and capabilities
• Activity-based learning will improve eye-hand-brain coordination and improve memory power. This happens because of the activation of neurotransmitters.
• The absenteeism of the students is expected to come down due to the interest created in activity-based learning.
• Peer to peer learning shall be encouraged.
• The chances of pursuing engineering & technology courses will improve.
• The dropout rate at the high school stage is also expected to come down.
• This is due to confidence in studying tough subjects like maths & science
• Students will develop good communication skills.
• They will be able to conduct science fairs where parents and family are invited.