AGYA Drives Science: Portable STEM Labs

Pilot Study & Teachers' Workshop

Proper education is listed on top of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and resembles a core interest in the strategic plans for a better and more sustainable future worldwide. The AGYA Working Group Innovation  in cooperation with the Fayoum University and the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology increases the access to education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for high school students in rural and geographically remote areas. The idea is to engage students in a scientific environment and interactive experimental set-ups.

Therefore, a mobile STEM laboratory facility has been designed, constructed, and installed on a truck to freely translocate the laboratory facility to remote areas. With this mobile STEM laboratory facility equipped with state-of-the-art technology, members of the AGYA Working Group Innovation will visit several schools in villages in rural areas in Fayoum (Egypt) inviting young preparatory and secondary school students to conduct small chemical and physical experiments.

During the first two visits under the lead of 8 researchers supported by AGYA alumnus Prof. Dr. Ahmed Khalil and AGYA Co-President Dr. Maha Nasr, 65 students at the Gordo preparatory school in the village of Gordo in Fayoum conducted experiments in measuring water purity and quality, generating electricity using solar cells, and applying a 3D printer. These active learning and practical application methods revealed talented students in STEM subjects. They will have the opportunity to participate in advanced one-week training at the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology and Fayoum University to refine their experiences and develop their skills.

Additionally, teachers of selected schools had been invited to a one-week training at Fayoum University beforehand. The training covered interaction-based educational strategies, introduced the teachers to more interactive curricula, and familiarized the teachers with the mobile laboratory. The project envisions that the selected teachers become focal points and multipliers in their communities.

This project is considered a pilot project to assess the feasibility of establishing portable STEM labs. Based on the results, AGYA members will expand the project outside of Fayoum and in additional Arab countries. If you would like to contribute or register a school for a visit, please contact AGYA member Ahmed Khalil.