Whether you’re in the classroom, out in the garden, or on the other side of the world, STEM plays a vital role in everyday life. That’s just one of the many benefits of STEM learning – it can be seen everywhere. But how can we ignite students’ passion for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)?
A tailored tour – where students see these skills being used in action – is an excellent place to start. Getting up close to real NASA astronauts, discovering how technology can be used in producing the food we eat and learning the physics behind roller coasters are all sure-fire ways to get their imaginations flowing…
From the US to Singapore, here are five places that are sure to get their imaginations firing and offer impactful STEM learning.
- NEWater Visitor Centre, Singapore
Students can delve into water sustainability at the NEWater Visitor Centre in Singapore. This educational hub showcases the groundbreaking technology that the city developed to recycle 40% of its water supply. The ultra-clean, high-grade reclaimed water is a huge step towards a more sustainable future.
Interactive tours offer an insight into Singapore’s unique challenges that inspired it to develop innovative ideas and secure a sustainable supply of water. As Singapore has limited land to collect and store rainwater, it faced droughts, floods and water pollution during the early years of nation building. Now, the nation has an effective and cost-efficient way to meet its water needs – through treating and recycling water.
The Centre also offers fun-filled activities including a ‘Raingarden Workshop’. You can also experience what it’s like to be a water molecule undergoing treatment, and learn how ultraviolet technology makes NEWater so clean.
- Space Camp Huntsville Alabama, USA
How about training like an astronaut? There’s no doubt that this epic mission will up their STEM learning – with memories to last a lifetime. At Huntsville Space Camp in Alabama, students meet highly experienced NASA trained educators, zip up their personal space suits and get oriented with the program.
The unique experience includes astronaut Q&A sessions, getting the inside scoop on space travel and designing and launching your very own model rocket. Students will learn the skills needed to land on the moon and discover the newest rocket that will carry astronauts to Mars. Other highlights include learning what it’s like to live onboard the International Space Station and taking part in underwater training and team challenge nights. There’s also ample opportunity to put their problem solving and engineering skills to the test as they build a heat shield and Rover. The camp wraps up with a graduation ceremony.
- Disney Imagination Campus, Florida and California, USA
When it comes to STEM learning, it doesn’t get much cooler than designing your own roller coaster. That’s exactly what’s on offer at the Physics of Disney Parks Workshops, which take place at both the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and the Disneyland Resort in California.
Students will quickly see how Disney parks are dynamic, real-world physics laboratories. During the workshop, they will learn how roller coasters work, and cover topics including chemistry, physics, hydraulics and pneumatics. They will get hands-on with problem-solving scenarios and even apply principles including Newton’s three laws of motion, gravity and potential and kinetic energy.
And of course, after all that learning, the best bit – buckling up for the ride of your life as you race down the park’s awesome roller coasters. It’s an action-packed way to learn the kind of hands-on physics Disney creatives use to think up new attractions and enhance the classic ones.
- Kok Fah Technology Farm, Singapore
The Kok Fah Technology Farm is an education hub and family-owned business that has been selling vegetables in Singapore for the past 40 years. Their speciality? Growing leafy veggies without soil, in a process called hydroponics. The family introduced the technology with an aim to yield better results – and the results speak for themselves.
Students can learn about this innovative farming by taking a tour of the greenhouse with the farm staff. Along the way, they will stop to taste different salads and take part in experiential learning activities outdoors. A visit here offers an insight into the high-tech machinery and equipment that makes the vegetable growing and harvesting process more efficient and productive.
- The Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, USA
For a bucket list activity – with STEM learning to boot – the Kennedy Space Centre is a must, offering students the chance to see a NASA rocket launchpad. This 140,000-acre campus and launch site is where the dreams of some of the greatest scientific minds of the 20th century took flight. It offers an up-close, hands-on feel for space exploration.
Students will develop their knowledge and learn new skills in special programmes about Mars 1 and the International Space Station. Problem-solving and teamwork will be needed to come up with engineering builds and STEM challenges designed around space.
Ready to ignite your students’ passion for STEM? These destinations offer hands-on experiences that bring science, technology, engineering, and math to life. The possibilities are endless.
Book a STEM adventure with us today and watch your students’ imaginations soar! Contact us now to plan the trip of a lifetime.
Written by Ellie Ross
