STEM Outreach for Educators: A Community Service Initiative 

Event: STEM Outreach for Educators: A Community Service Initiative
Date: 2 August 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Function Room, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT)
Participants: 23 primary school teachers from SJKC Mun Yee, SJKC Chong Hwa, SJKC Wangsa Maju, and SJKC Nan Yik.

The STEM Outreach for Educators held on Saturday, 2 August 2025, was a resounding success, filled with energy, innovation, and collaborative learning. Organized as a community service initiative by TAR UMT, this full-day program brought together 23 enthusiastic primary school teachers, grouped into six dynamic teams, to explore and experience hands-on STEM education strategies.

From the very start, participants demonstrated excitement and eagerness, actively engaging in every session throughout the day. The event kicked off with Slot 1: Introduction to STEM, where participants gained foundational insights into the importance of STEM integration in primary education. The session emphasized the role of teachers in promoting scientific inquiry, technological innovation, and problem-solving skills among students.

Next, Slot 2: Computational Thinking empowered participants with the essential thinking skills—decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic logic—needed to navigate and teach STEM effectively. Participants were introduced to Computational Thinking (CT) through the use of NAO Robot programming. Using the Choregraphe software, teachers explored the concepts of decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithm design in a visually engaging way.

In Slot 3: Engineering Design Process, teachers experienced a hands-on session that demonstrated how to incorporate science, technology, and mathematics through engineering practices. Each group designed and built a prototype of a plant watering system using everyday materials. The task emphasized innovation, the integration of science and technology, and logical sequencing. Participants not only showcased their creative designs but also reflected on how similar engineering tasks could be adapted into classroom projects to inspire young learners. 

The highlight of the day was Slot 4: Project-Oriented Problem-Based Learning (POPBL)—a highly interactive session where teams applied their knowledge to solve real-world challenges through design and prototyping. The final and most competitive session of the day was the Smart Flood-Resilient House Project. Working in groups, participants brainstormed solutions and built functional prototypes of flood-resilient homes. The ideas ranged from elevated structures to water sensor-based response systems. A judging panel assessed the projects based on innovation, practicality, teamwork, and presentation.

The level of creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration displayed by the teachers was remarkable. This hands-on challenge not only reinforced STEM concepts but also simulated real-world engineering problems relevant to the Malaysian context.

The success of the event was made possible through the dedication and expertise of the facilitator team:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Tong Hock (Team Leader)

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chin Wan Yoke

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Chong Kam Yoon

• Asst. Prof. Dr. Kee Boon Hui

• Ms. Yip Xue Ni

• Ms. Joan Hau

• Ms. Lee Shee Chia

• Mr. Wong Wai Zhong