KARACHI: As many as 67 schools came together to participate in Sindh’s biggest STEAM (Science, Technology, Engin­eering, Arts, and Mathematics) competition, organised by the Sindh School Education & Literacy Department.

A large number of students and teachers participated in the biggest STEAM competition in Sindh, where students from government schools across the Korangi district came together to use STEAM concepts to come up with innovative solutions to the world’s current and future problems.

The STEAM competition was launched by the Sindh School Education & Literacy Department in late August with the goal of inspiring school children to explore the fascinating world of STEAM, which brings together Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics through exciting, interdisciplinary challenges related to real-world problems such as climate change, urbanisation, as well as heritage and culture, said a press release issued here.

The challenges were carefully designed to encourage students to get immersed in tapping into their creativity, using an interdisciplinary approach, keeping it low-cost and local, and employing what they had learned in Science, Maths, and computers while valuing the indigenous wisdom of their land.

Education Secretary Zahid Ali Abbasi interacted with students and teachers presenting their projects, appreciating the implementation of STEAM competitions at the district level in line with the Minister’s vision for a year of science.

He expressed a keen interest in sending the most innovative math and science games created for the Teachers’ Challenge of the competition to schools across Sindh to help improve student understanding of complex concepts.

He also expressed his appreciation for the projects that focussed on creative solutions for problems created due to climate change and urban development in the province, noting that children and youth have fantastic ideas for the future.

The students’ projects spanned a wide range of domains, demonstrating their creativity and problem-solving skills. For instance, the ‘Float Your Boat’ challenge featured innovative designs, such as steam-powered boats that harnessed heat energy from a perfume spray bottle.

One boat even incorporated a net attached to a conveyor belt, enabling it to clean the sea as it travelled. Other projects, like the rain-stick musical instrument, in which a mix of beans, rice and pulses produced a soothing melody as the contents cascaded down.

Similarly, a xylophone crafted from repurposed steel plates of varying lengths was played using sea shells, creating a unique, nature-inspired sound. These projects beautifully showcased the core principles of STEAM by combining materials, design, and environmental inspiration in creative ways.

The creativity and innovation reflected in these entries truly embody the mission of STEAM competition, with a focus on fostering resilience, knowledge and innovation. The majority of entries from the STEAM competition in Korangi district served as a powerful testament to these goals.

“The most important impact of the STEAM competition is that government schools are now actively promoting learning by doing and experiencing. Our students are no longer satisfied with passive teaching — they now want to understand what they are taught practically!” said Afshan Naz, the district focal person for STEAM in Korangi.

She also appreciated that the competition has motivated government school teachers to be more active and creative in innovating with their students as well as in their daily teaching.

Commenting on the winning postcard showcased in the district competition, Ambreen Qureshi, Head of Art Departments at St. Joseph’s Convent High School and Nixor College, expressed that she was positively surprised by the unique representations of the district through specific and thoughtful colours and motifs.

She commended the education department and remarked: “Similar to other challenges in the competition, the postcard challenge focussed children’s attention on real-world surroundings. It encouraged them to go through the process of observation while also looking at their worlds in a positive way.”

Dr Fouzia Khan, chief executive adviser, curriculum wing for the education department, stated: “I cannot verbalise the excitement and energy we witnessed today at the STEAM Competition in Korangi. It was the biggest event we have had so far and this effort has had a massive impact, especially in the way students felt empowered when they used the STEAM concepts they had learned to create life-altering solutions.”

Judges and visitors included leaders from academia, various industries, arts and design, and local political leadership.

The Korangi district round STEAM competition is a continuation of 30 district-level competitions happening across all districts of Sindh since December 2024. The district rounds of STEAM competition were also held in Thatta and Ghotki, on the same day.

Published in Dawn, January 9th, 2025