STEM Engagement and Outreach
STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—is at the heart of our project’s mission. Beyond conducting laboratory research, we wanted to bring STEM alive for students in schools across Berhampur, inspiring curiosity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning. Our outreach sessions were designed not just to teach concepts, but to let students experience the process of scientific thinking in action: observing, questioning, experimenting, and connecting ideas to real-world problems.
Integrating STEM in Schools
During our visits, STEM engagement was embedded into every session. Students explored the science behind metal contamination, learned how nature’s molecules—peptides—bind harmful metals, and saw how synthetic biology allows us to engineer these solutions for safer water. Demonstrations like natural filters, quizzes, map-based exercises, and storyboard games translated abstract STEM concepts into interactive, age-appropriate experiences.
School Highlights
- V.V. Giri Girls High School: Class 10 students interacted with TLM, explored metal contamination through map quizzes, and engaged with posters. Read more
- PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Ambapua: Conducted three parallel sessions during STEM Week: younger students (Classes 3–8) engaged with TLM basics and filter demonstrations, Class 9–10 learned the bridge from biology to synthetic biology and participated in quizzes, while Class 12 students explored career pathways and watched our project promotion video. Read more
- PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Gopalpur Military Station: Also part of STEM Week, three parallel sessions included Classes 4–5 storyboard games, Class 10 quizzes, map exercises, and sticker distribution, and Classes 11–12 advanced lessons on metal contamination, bio to synbio connections, quizzes, and career counselling. Read more
Tools and Materials
Our Teaching Learning Material (TLM) formed the backbone of these STEM sessions. It combined foundational science, interactive demonstrations, visual aids, quizzes, games, and career guidance. The TLM ensured consistency across schools while being adaptable for different age groups and learning styles. For full details, see TLM.
Impact and Value
Through these STEM-focused engagements, students developed not only knowledge but also curiosity, problem-solving skills, and awareness of careers in scientific research and synthetic biology. Younger students experienced hands-on learning and storytelling, middle schoolers connected concepts with practical applications, and senior students explored advanced topics and future STEM pathways.
Each session reinforced the principle that STEM is not just about learning facts—it is about observation, reasoning, experimentation, and creating solutions for real-world challenges.
Looking Ahead
Our STEM initiatives are ongoing. We aim to expand these activities, integrate more hands-on experiments, and continue bridging laboratory science with classroom learning. By making STEM accessible, interactive, and inspiring, we hope to nurture the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators.