In today’s educational landscape, the integration of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education stands as a crucial pillar for fostering innovation and creativity among students. Ms. Mohsina Mirza, Principal, Kangaroo Kids & Billabong High International School, Maldives, shares her insights on the significance of STEAM education and its implementation within the school community. From prioritizing STEAM integration in the curriculum to fostering inclusivity and real-world application, Ms. Mirza provides a comprehensive perspective on advancing STEAM education and nurturing innovation among students.
Children working in the STEAM Lab.
Why is STEAM education important? How does your school prioritize the integration of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education into its curriculum?
In today’s education world, STEAM education holds significant importance for every school to integrate into their curriculum. Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math should be integrated into lessons that should be consistently emphasized at all levels, beginning as early as preschool. At my school, STEAM learning is not confined to specific periods in the timetable; instead, it is integrated into the existing schedule. Students engage with STEAM topics through project-based, hands-on, and experiential learning methods.
‘Grow Your Own Food Experience’ at Kangaroo Kids & Billabong High International School, Maldives.
Can you elaborate on some specific initiatives or projects that have been particularly successful in promoting innovation and creativity among students through STEAM education?
STEAM education fosters innovation and creativity among students, particularly in understanding sustainability, integrating SDGs within the school and community, and cultivating a global perspective. It equips students to contribute towards achieving global goals and protecting the environment. Students can create projects based on the SDGs, such as engaging in renewable energy activities or utilizing drones for SDG-related purposes, as well as understanding mathematical concepts. They can also develop models of a ‘smart city’ or engage in simple activities like growing their own food, and seed banks, among other innovations, to promote sustainability and foster innovation among students.
Integration of Art at Pre School Level at Kangaroo Kids & Billabong High International School, Maldives.
In what ways do you ensure that STEAM education is inclusive and accessible to all students, regardless of their background or abilities?
As mentioned earlier, STEAM education should begin at the preschool level, where children can engage in simple activities such as learning about the life cycle of a frog, mathematical concepts or constructing a working model of traffic lights. By participating in such activities, students indirectly enhance their understanding of innovation and critical thinking. To ensure inclusivity and accessibility, every school should have a dedicated STEAM Lab. Teachers can then incorporate these activities into their ongoing lesson plans and topics, demonstrating them to students and actively involving them in the process. Schools can organize experiential learning visits and projects where the entire class works together or in small groups. This approach ensures that these activities do not become an extra burden on parents, as the school takes responsibility for providing the necessary materials and resources. Students can be divided into small groups, each with their own learning stations for hands-on learning experiences.
Teaching Mathematical Concepts Through Drones.
How does your school support teachers in staying updated on STEAM education trends and methodologies?
As a school principal, I regularly conduct professional development sessions on STEAM education for my teachers. They also engage in ongoing research to stay informed about new trends in STEAM education. Furthermore, our Digital Resource Management (DRM), provided by Lighthouse Education includes pre-built lesson plans that incorporate STEAM elements. Our educational framework emphasizes five pillars, one of which is dedicated to STEAM-themed programs.
‘Sea Grass Nursery Project’ at Kangaroo Kids & Billabong High International School, Maldives.
Could you share any noteworthy examples of how students have applied their STEAM knowledge and skills to address real-world challenges or issues?
The ‘Seagrass Meadows’ are a vital habitat for the Maldives as they absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, while also providing habitat, shelter and food for numerous organisms. In 2023, our students developed a seagrass nursery at our school, learning how to care for it. Later, with the support of marine scientists from Van Oord, Maldives, they successfully restored seagrass in the sea. This project was appreciated by the marine community.
In 2019, we participated in the NASA STEM Challenge, and worked on the project, ‘Terrariums in Microgravity’. We won the second-place trophy and our project was tested at International Space Station. This was one of the proudest moments for me as an educational leader.
STEAM & SPACE Roleplay at Kangaroo Kids & Billabong High International School, Maldives.
How does your school foster collaboration and partnerships with external organizations or experts to enhance STEAM education opportunities for students?
From time to time, when we deem it necessary, we foster collaboration and partnerships with external organizations and experts. They provide information, suggestions and insights on the latest trends in STEAM education especially in sustainability. This opens up numerous opportunities for students to explore and helps them in deciding their future interests.
Smart Home Model Built by Students.
Looking to the future, what are your visions or goals for further advancing STEAM education and fostering innovation within your school community?
As a principal, I am committed to motivating students to innovate unique and exclusive projects for Sustainability, both now and in the future. It is imperative to blend STEAM learning with sustainability, as today’s students are global citizens who must understand the urgency to save the world and contribute to global goals. This can only be achieved if students will earnestly engage in STEAM learning to innovate sustainable projects that will make tomorrow better for all species in the universe.
