P. Saran, a 9th-grade student from Government High School in Choodapuram, Hosur, built a low-cost microscope using everyday waste items.

This microscope can help observe blood cells, onions cells, and more.

Despite limited resources in his rural village, Saran enjoys experimenting and creating with what he has at hand.

His science teacher, Ms. Sathayavathi, and the headmaster encourage his innovation.

The idea for the microscope came unexpectedly when a ball refill pen fell on his mobile display, creating colorful reflections.

This sparked the idea of using cartridge pen cells to make microscopes.

𝗦𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗶𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 ISRO – Indian Space Research Organization

India Literacy Project wishes Saran all the best in achieving his dreams.

By Archana Sali

So, how and where does the STEM mindset stem from?

India Literacy Project believes that STEM is not a class you teach, it is a culture you build.

But what exactly does the STEM mindset inculcate?

A mindset grounded in STEM, above all values the process of inquiry. A mindset grounded in STEM, utilizes the scientific methodology to derive evidence-based conclusions, in order to comprehend the workings of phenomena and determine what to accept, recognize prospects and hazards, make informed decisions, take appropriate measures, and foresee probable outcomes.

India Literacy Project’s Multi-Dimensional Learning Space (MDLS) program encompasses experiential learning, digital classrooms, skill development via ICT, career guidance, and libraries. All in all, a 360-degree approach to augment the STEM culture.

As part of the MDLS program, experiential learning provides comprehensive science lab in a box for grade 5th to 10th and Google earth-based content for Social Science.

The Digital Classrooms aspect of MDLS helps enhance subject competency by providing open source, editable content mapped to the state syllabus guidelines for grades 4th to 10th in Maths, Science and Social Science.

The Skill Development aspect implements ICT in school education by following Technology Assisted Learning Programme (TALP) guidelines and using NCERT-recommended tools.

To augment the STEM mindset, inculcating the reading habit is of utmost importance. And this is done by setting-up child friendly libraries in schools with regular Reading Level Assessments (RLA) being conducted.

And the other important cog in the wheel is the Career Guidance program which uses self-discovery tools and psychometric tests to provide career guidance thereby empowering students to achieve their dreams with confidence.

Cultivating this mindset right from school age not only helps the individual student but also the economy. Especially, in a young country like India with a large youth demographic, STEM education could become a major driver of future economic growth.

Attaining 21st-century competencies and a STEM mindset, characterized by digital proficiency, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving skills, could empower our young women in particular to create multifaceted futures and careers. This, in turn, could enhance their chances of attaining professional and financial mobility while also developing their ability to question, experiment and foster their individual identity.

In addition to training young men and women, training teachers on alternate teaching methods, along with some form of enablement to support them in becoming change agents is crucial to help boost girls’ interest and confidence and also deal with parents’ awareness of the issues surrounding stereotypes.

India Literacy Project takes pride in having signed an MoU with the Government of Karnataka with the aim of reimagining the education system around a STEM framework and the curricula adapted to include critical thinking, a scientific temperament, problem solving skills and aptitude towards creativity and innovation.

The humble stats of setting up Science labs across 10,000 schools benefitting 3 million students prove that STEM education has been a key driver since the last decade and will continue to be a key driver of the future of work.

ILP’s 360-degree approach can support the systemic growth of digital literacy and access to technology in India and trigger a much-needed shift towards making STEM education a reality irrespective of gender.

When teachers are enthusiastic students… Teaching is a transformative experience for students.

India literacy project ensures that the world of science never ceases to amaze students and teachers alike.

ILP in collaboration with yahoo is transforming 29 schools in Mulbagal, Kolar district by installing smart classrooms.

As part of this initiative, 29 teachers were trained on using the Multi-dimensional Learning Space (MDLS) science kits so they can engage the students in a compelling manner where students learn experientially by doing.

Science kits are a fun and engaging way for students to gain a lifelong love for science.

Children learn as they play. Most importantly in play, children learn how to learn. O. Fred Donaldson, Ph. D. , Play Researcher

India literacy project’s mission of being a catalyst for 100% educated India is rooted in the fundamentals that activity/play based learning prepares students effectively for the future by developing in them critical skills such as problem solving, collaboration, and creativity.

Activity-based learning emphasizes that children learn best through hands-on experiences and active exploration, rather than simply receiving information passively.

India Literacy Project’s flagship experiential learning program Multi-dimensional Learning Space (MDLS) is one such program which nurtures scientific temper in students.

India literacy project also ties-up with various other local ngos across various states to teach primary and secondary school students via activity-based learning integrated with school syllabus.

Not just for students, but India literacy project even ensures teachers are trained in these activity-based methodologies and also mothers are trained during Anganwadi intervention programs.

Real and enduring change happens one step at a time…

India Literacy Project in collaboration with Guru Krupa Foundation Inc. (Guru Krupa Foundation Inc (guru-krupa.org)) is working towards bringing real and sustainable change via its Multi-dimensional Learning Space (MDLS) program which provides experiential learning experience to government school students across multiple Indian states.

MDLS program was inaugurated on January 5 at H. Sowbakmal Sowkar Govt. Girls HR. Sec. School, Madhuranthagam.

It was an honor to have this inauguration presided over by Venki Venkatesh co-founder, India Literacy Project, USA.

The guests of honor during this inauguration were J Angelo Irudhayasamy, Chief Educational Officer, Chengalpattu, C Shanthi, District Educational Officer, Madhuranthagam and Asuri Rangarajan, Country Manager, India Literacy Project.

As part of MDLS implementation:

• School teachers will be trained on effective usage of science kits to engage students
• Child-friendly libraries will be set-up and Reading Level Assessments (RLA) will be conducted
• Career guidance program will be implemented along with material and counselling sessions

Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much. So aptly said by Hellen Keller.

Joining hands together, India Literacy Project and HCL Foundation organize “Science Fair” in 20 government higher secondary schools in Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts on Tamil Nadu as part of stem initiative.

The science fair was conducted in two schools GBHSS, Avadi and GHSS, SM Nagar.

A total of 85 students participated with total 88+ experiments being showcased. Some interesting models that were showcased:

Car, boat, fan, water current, windmill, syringe, fire extinguisher, earthquake alarm, helicopter, vacuum cleaner, projector, heart and kidney etc.

The objective of this science fair was to:

• Provide students opportunities to build on their learning by participating and exhibiting their learnings in science fairs.
• Conduct science fairs once a year for all students to participate and train teachers to run these fairs on their own in future.

Thank you Dr. Nidhi Pundhir for all your support in making this initiative successful. The students and teachers alike enjoyed it. ”

Everybody knows that science is fun. The more you learn, the easier it is to have fun with it.

Students from Tiruvallur, Villupuram and Cuddalore will experience the magic of science with 800 science kits donated by Verizon

India Literacy Project is proud to train a total of 177 middle, high, and higher secondary school teachers on using these science kits.

The teachers can effectively engage students to ensure this experiential learning during their formative years’ paves way for bright careers as they grow up.

The teachers were also trained on CSM (Career Guidance, Scholarship and Mentoring) program. The Chief Education Officer Tiruvallur (Education Department), District Welfare Officers of Tiruvallur, Villupuram and Cuddalore also issued orders to all teachers on duty to attend training provided by India Literacy Project.

As there are schools with single school teachers and primary schools (with teachers not being present in the school will disturb the school functioning if they have to go for training) India Literacy Project is conducting separate online science kit training for these teachers.