Latest news with #STEMeducation
Mail & Guardian
a day ago
- Science
- Mail & Guardian
Inquiry-Based training for natural sciences and mathematics teachers in Eden and Central Karoo education district, Western Cape
Advancing Knowledge NPC (AK NPC) rounded off its 2025 training programme in inquiry-based STEM education training in George for grades 6-9 natural sciences and mathematics teachers that served to prepare teachers for the practical and experimental (inquiry-based) work to be completed during a particular school term. This project was a partnership between AK NPC and Inkcubeko Youth & Science Centre supported by the curriculum division of the WCED Eden and Central Karoo Education District. The AK NPC programme had its opening 2-day training session in February 2025 for both natural sciences and mathematics – life sciences in natural science and whole numbers, fractions, integers and exponents in mathematics which form the part of curriculum content addressed in the first school term. On 11 and 12 April 2025 the second term content were addressed namely the chemistry component in natural sciences, and numeric and geometric patterns, functions and relations in grade 6-9 mathematics. On 25 and 26 July, the last part of the 2025 natural science and mathematics programme was conducted at the conference venues of the Eden and Central Karoo Head Office in George. A total of 43 teachers attended the natural science session and 34 teachers participated in mathematics. The training approach adopted and agreed upon by the partnership is directed at providing teachers with inquiry skills to effectively allow learners to think practically about the two subjects. The head of the Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre, Mr Innocent Ndlovu did the official welcoming while Prof Hartley, Director of AK NPC encouraged teachers to ensure that they inculcate the inquiry-based skills in their everyday lessons. The Eden & Central Karoo Education District was represented by subject advisors Mr Keenan Rasmus and Ms Memory Dhiza who motivated teachers to fully participate in the natural science and mathematics sessions respectively. PLANET EARTH & BEYOND (ASTRONOMY) AS A FOCUS AREA OF THE NATURAL SCIENCE CURRICULUM The astronomy session was conducted on Friday 25 July 2025 and facilitated by the effervescent Mark Ogilvie and Andrew Firth, a doctoral student in Astronomy. Facilitators were supported by AK NPC staff Saadiqah Fraden (science intern) and Melissa Petersen (Projects Coordinator). Teachers were guided through a journey that started on Planet Earth and included the various components of our solar system, the Milky Way and nearby galaxies in the universe. Teachers were provided with hands-on activities and teaching resources to determine, amongst others the phases and positions of the moon, the effect of the moon on tides and seasons, sedimentation rock formation on earth, developing pressurised rockets and Mars Rover activities. Software that provided teachers with detailed understanding of the planets in the solar system with content they could easily use in their lessons was loaded on their laptops. Teachers were constructively engaged through inquiry-based activities in a hands-on creative space provided by the facilitators. The interactive nature of the sessions were specifically developed to allow teachers to ask questions but also to be able to try the activities out on their own. Many teachers stayed behind to interact with the facilitators to further understand the application of the teaching resources so that they could apply it in their astronomy lessons. ENERGY & CHANGE (PHYSICS) AS A FOCUS AREA OF NATURAL SCIENCE CURRICULUM The energy and change session were conducted on Saturday 26 July 2025 and facilitated by the experienced Robert Solomon supported by the AK NPC staff. Teachers were guided from elementary experiments and investigative activities which they could directly apply in their energy and change lessons including developing a compass, energy transfers (convection, conduction and radiation), forces, electricity and electromagnetism. The application of everyday substances as teaching resources to illustrate the concepts, principles and theories in physics resonated with teachers as they keenly and enthusiastically participated in the practical activities of curriculum content. Teachers were provided with hands-on examples of readily available resources and alternative (to the textbook) ways of teaching energy changes (potential, kinetic, electrical) and forces including the aspects of forces that play a role in everyday life. Teachers were challenged with scenarios of cells and batteries, components of electric circuits where they had to draw circuits, build electric circuits, make predictions and test whether their predictions were correct. APPLYING INQUIRY-BASED STRATEGIES IN THE TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS The Mathematics course was conducted in parallel to natural science on 25 and 26 July 2025 by two experienced facilitators, Dr Victor Hess and Dr Clyde Felix supported by AK NPC staff. The course content covered for the third and fourth term of intersen phase included Geometry of straight lines and 2D shapes, transformation geometry, graphs, area and perimeter of 2D shapes, and surface area and volume of 3D objects. The facilitators went to great lengths to provide a safe and engaging environment in which teachers could present their approaches to teaching the above content and have a discussion of the inquiry-based strategies that could be applied as an alternative to consider. Facilitators worked within the teachers' parameters of workload, time and class sizes to carefully craft inquiry-based approaches when engaging with the content. Each section of the term's mathematics content were deliberated to allow teachers' their perspectives on including inquiry skills into their lessons. The following are some of the perceptions of natural science teachers expressed after the course: I really enjoyed this course on energy and change. I am currently teaching this part of the work and it came at the right time. The fact we could use products that is readily available helps a lot. I am glad I came to this course. [Teacher]. Both sessions on astronomy and energy and change are very helpful as it gives me the confidence to do practical work with the learners. Nothing was scary about this course, we just learned, and learned and learned. I recorded all the practicals and will definitely implement it in my lessons. [Teacher] As a former biology teacher who is new to natural science, the course reminded of the importance of practical or inquiry teaching for our learners. I was pleasantly surprised by how the astronomy content can be tackled practically. Learners will definitely be impressed with the type of activities they will be doing in the last term [Teacher] I am encouraging teachers to make a start with the activities that they received here. Its more about getting learners excited and interested in science. [Science Subject Advisor]. The following are some of the reflections of mathematics teachers after the course: My colleagues and I found out about the course by accident. This was an important course for us as we could share some of our frustrations and learn from each other and the facilitators on how to tackle the maths content in our big classes. [Teacher] The course resolved some of my challenges in teaching the mathematics content. One thing I enjoyed was how to save some time to concentrate on those aspects of mathematics that continue from intermediate to senior up to FET phase. [Teacher] I initially indicated that I wanted to give up on teaching mathematics at my school. I have gained some belief back by our discussion of how to approach some of the content to allow learners to grasp the content better. These inquiry-based strategies are very interesting. [Teacher] I am glad so many mathematics teachers heeded my request to attend the course. I listened to some of them and have a better understanding of the needs of teachers and to provide different strategies to make the work more interesting.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Forbes
Beyond Summer Camps: Local Learning Hubs Embrace Hybrid Schooling
Blending online school and homeschooling with in-person community learning hubs Last year, my 11-year-old son Sam participated in a summer day camp focused on robotics and hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) projects. It was hosted by The Robo Hub, a new education enrichment organization that opened its doors a few months prior in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where I by Xin Liu, a robotics engineer and mom of four, The Robo Hub's engaging camps and afterschool programs filled quickly, as parents and learners alike appreciated the relevant curriculum and bright and spacious learning space located across the street from a large city park. After Sam's camp ended, I completed a parent survey reporting how much he enjoyed the experience. 'You should consider starting a microschool,' I wrote, urging the organization to add a flexible daytime program throughout the academic year for students and families looking for an alternative to conventional The Robo Hub has done just an announcement earlier this week, Liu revealed a new hybrid learning partnership with Sora Schools, an accredited online private school focused on project-based learning. Middle and high school students seeking a different, more personalized education option can enroll in Sora Schools' online program, which includes a comprehensive curriculum and daily, live lessons, while gathering together in person at The Robo Hub two days a week to work on projects and build community with peers. 'Together, we can offer a truly unique learning experience that combines the best of hands-on, in-person exploration with flexible, student-driven academics,' The Robo Hub COO Leonid Tunik told me. In Massachusetts, students in this new program would be legally considered opportunity to integrate online, flexible education with in-person community is contributing to the rising popularity of creative schooling options, including microschools for homeschoolers. Here in Massachusetts, KaiPod Learning pioneered a similar model back in 2021 with the launch of a learning pod in Greater Boston that enabled families to select their preferred curriculum provider while fostering community through in-person enrichment activities, social connection and on-site academic support. KaiPod continues to expand, particularly in states such as Arizona, where universal school-choice programs enable families to attend a pod tuition-free or nearly Bay State is one of 15 U.S. states that does not have any private school-choice policies, which can limit access to these innovative learning models. Yet, even in the absence of these policies that enable a portion of education funding to follow students to their preferred educational environment, emerging programs like The Robo Hub/Sora Schools partnership tend to be less expensive than more established private education options. For example, annual tuition for the Sora Schools/The Robo Hub program is $18,900, which includes the full-time online school and two days a week at The Robo still financially out of reach for many families, The Robo Hub/Sora Schools program is significantly more affordable than other secular private education options in the area, including the roughly $42,000 a year a family would pay to attend the popular Cambridge Montessori School's middle school program, which shares the block with The Robo creative schooling options are not only lower in cost—and often no cost at all when operating in choice-friendly states—they are also providing the educational personalization and flexibility that many families increasingly desire. Tunik says that he has already received inquiries from parents excited about the new Sora Schools partnership, with the hybrid structure a central Smiley, cofounder and CEO of Sora Schools, sees this appeal among families across the U.S. 'Education is shifting to local hubs plugged into global classrooms,' he said, explaining that blending online schooling and homeschooling with community-based partnerships is the educational mix many families are seeking. 'Families really can have it all,' he educational organizations, such as those running summer camps and afterschool programs, should consider following The Robo Hub's lead and expand their offerings to include in-person microschool and hybrid learning options during the school day. Partnering with curriculum providers and online schools like Sora Schools can make this effort easier and more appealing to students and Monday, I picked up Sam from a day at The Robo Hub's summer camp, where he has been making a robot and coding an original video game. I told him that The Robo Hub had just announced that they are creating a new hybrid learning option for homeschoolers, starting this fall. 'That is so cool!' he said. 'I'd love that.'
RNZ News
23-07-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Liquidators say Nanogirl Labs unlikely to be able to pay $260,000 tax debt
Michelle Dickinson. Photo: RNZ Nanogirl Labs Ltd owes Inland Revenue more than $260,000 and is unlikely to be able to pay any of its unsecured creditors, its liquidators say. The company - founded by Michelle Dickinson and her husband Joe Davis - was placed into liquidation last November. Dickinson told RNZ at the time that a tough business environment was behind the decision. Government funding had also been cut. It had provided science live shows, education and STEM kits to children for eight years. Dickinson told Nine to Noon last November that revenue sources had "dried up" . The biggest set back was the cut to MBIE's $1.6 million Curious Minds funding, which supported community science programmes. Nanogirl also received funding from other government departments, including the Ministry of Education and MFAT which had been undertaking science curriculum work in the Pacific. All had been cut by the government, she said. Nanogirl founder Michelle Dickinson says all the funding has been cut by the government. Photo: RNZ Liquidator Digby Noyce, from RES Corporate Services, said in his second report that all employment contracts were terminated when he was appointed, but some staff were contracted to perform the remaining birthday party bookings. The report said the business had a cash balance of $11,769 and the equipment and stock had no realisable value. "We have received a preferential creditor claim from Inland Revenue for unpaid GST and employer activities taxes amounting to $267,028.42. "Our present view, based on information received to date, is that it is uncertain whether a distribution will be available for preferential creditors, however recovery actions through insolvent transactions or other remedies may bring in additional funds, although it is still too early to express a view on such matters." Noyce had received claims from unsecured creditors amounting to $191,680. But he said, based on information to date, it was unlikely that a distribution would be made to those creditors. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Arab News
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Arab News
Formula E and PIF tackle green skills gap
LONDON: A major electric motorsport-backed education initiative is targeting Britain's critical shortage of workers in green industries, with Formula E's Driving Force program, presented by PIF E360, predicted to reach over 50,000 students worldwide by the end of 2025. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Formula E, the world's first and only all electric motorsport, continues to accelerate change on and off the track through its flagship STEM and sustainability youth education programs. Driving Force presented by PIF E360 comes as the UK faces a projected deficit of 200,000 skilled workers in net-zero zero roles by 2030, while green job opportunities continue to expand by 9.2 percent year-on-year. The skills gap has prompted new Department of Education statutory guidance for schools to create stronger links between subject lessons and careers. Every pupil is required to learn how the knowledge and skills developed in that subject helps gain entry to, and work within, a wide range of careers. All students between Years 7 and 11 are to experience at least one meaningful encounter with an employer each year and to learn about careers through every subject. Driving Force uses the appeal of all-electric motorsport to engage students aged eight to 18 in sustainability education, equipping young people with the knowledge, confidence and role models needed to pursue the ever-growing roles in sustainability, science and tech. As part of its community engagement, Formula E delivered an in-person Driving Force workshop at Hammersmith Academy in London on 16th July, reaching over 90 students. The session that research represents the type of direct intervention can significantly influence young people's career suggests aspirations and STEM representation, and is part of a series of 5 workshops delivered across London in July, focusing on schools close to the upcoming London E-Prix race location of the Excel in East London, and the Formula E HQ in Hammersmith. Earlier this year, Formula E also delivered Driving Force workshops in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Miami, United States during their respective race weeks. Through hands-on learning, the in-person workshops connected classroom learning to real-world careers in motorsport, mobility, engineering, battery innovation and clean energy, leaving behind a lasting community legacy in the heart of London. Julia Palle, VP of Sustainability, Formula E said: 'A survey in 2024 of more than 7,000 UK secondary-school students reveals a worrying downward trend in both their involvement in and their ambition to pursue STEM subjects — a stark wake-up call for educators and policymakers alike. Teachers are being asked to make stronger connections between subjects and careers, but they need support from employers to do that effectively. Driving Force, presented by PIF E360, is part of the solution to help the education system deliver what our students and our green economy both desperately need to succeed.' In addition to Driving Force, Formula E's wider social impact FIA Girls on strategy includes several key initiatives including Together, Inspiration Hour and Better Futures Fund, the Track these programs form a core part of Formula E's commitment to delivering long-term, community-focused benefits in every host city and create inclusive opportunities. Formula E was born out of a desire to help shape a more sustainable future for current and future generations to come and continues to deepen its commitment to creating lasting, positive change through social impact initiatives that aim to tackle inequalities and nurture inclusive, resilient and diverse communities in every city they visit. As the world's first all-electric FIA World Championship and the only sport-certified net zero carbon since inception, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship brings dramatic racing to the heart of some of the world's most iconic cities providing an elite motorsport platform for the world's leading automotive manufacturers to accelerate electric vehicle innovation. The Formula E network of teams, manufacturers, partners, broadcasters, and host cities is united by a passion for the sport and belief in its potential to accelerate sustainable human progress and create a better future for people and the planet.
Geeky Gadgets
18-07-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
TOOCAA's Ecosystem Manifesto: Redefining the Boundaries of Desktop Creation
The world of desktop DIY craft creation is undergoing a profound shift. Hobbyists and entrepreneurs increasingly seek laser engravers that are not just gadgets but gateways to creative enterprise. Numerous consumers are willing to pay more for personalized products, and many people are interested in customized goods in categories like home decor and DIY crafts. In response, makers of creative hardware are transforming their products into platforms. The latest example is TOOCAA laser engraver, a newcomer in laser engraving and cutting, which has declared an 'ecosystem manifesto' to pivot from a single-product focus to a comprehensive creation platform. From STEM Roots to Laser Safety: The TOOCAA Story Begins TOOCAA's story starts with its parent company, ELECFREAKS, founded in 2011 and known as a STEM education leader. In 2022, Elecfreaks introduced the TOOCAA brand dedicated to laser cutting and engraving machines. From inception, the new brand's mission was clear: safety and reliability for desktop laser tools. 'TOOCAA was born committed to building a safe and reliable future for laser cutting machines,' the company notes of its 2022 pivot. This ethos materialized in the brand's flagship release, the TOOCAA L2. Launched in 2024 as a fully enclosed desktop laser engraver. Unlike many hobbyist laser cutters, which are open-frame and expose users to fumes or laser light, the L2 comes with a protective case. As All3DP magazine observed, 'unlike many traditional open-frame laser engravers, the TOOCAA L2 comes with an enclosed case that helps isolate fumes, contain dust, and reduce light exposure.' This emphasis on an integrated, safety-first design marked TOOCAA's first step from selling a standalone gadget toward building a holistic ecosystem. The pivot from product to platform accelerated as TOOCAA realized that modern maker audiences expect more than hardware. Early on, the company not only delivered the L2 machine but also developed proprietary control software and a full suite of accessories. This foreshadowed an ecosystem approach: hardware seamlessly integrated with software and add-ons. Why Platformization Is the New Necessity in Maker Tech Selling a creative machine in 2025 means selling more than just the machine. The maker market has grown fiercely competitive and expansive – the global laser engraving/cutting machine market, for instance, is projected to grow from around $2.9 billion in 2022 to $6.19 billion by 2030, with nearly 10% CAGR (data from Within this booming landscape, platformization has become the key to engaging users and standing out. Hardware companies are drawing lessons from the software world: build an ecosystem, not just a device, to foster loyalty and ongoing engagement. The important players like xTool (a brand under China's Makeblock) have embraced the platform mindset. xTool produces laser engravers and cutters ranging from diode-based models to 55W CO₂ machines, and it backs them with its own software (xTool Creative Space) and account system that unifies the user experience across devices. By logging into one xTool account, users access design software, a project-sharing community, customer support, and even a rewards program in one ecosystem. Against this backdrop, TOOCAA's decision to evolve into an ecosystem provider is not just a marketing ploy but a competitive imperative. A platform, on the other hand, promises ongoing value: software updates that add capabilities, accessories that unlock new uses, a community that inspires projects, and a one-stop shop for users' creative needs (materials, support, tutorials, etc.). By pivoting to a platform model, TOOCAA aims to cultivate long-term relationships with users by supporting them from the moment they unbox the machine through countless projects and upgrades, and in turn benefiting from user feedback, word-of-mouth, and repeat sales. In sum, the platform approach is how modern maker-tech companies turn a one-time device purchase into an ongoing partnership with creators. TOOCAA Ecosystem: Hardware, Software, Materials, and Community TOOCAA's ecosystem today revolves around its flagship machine, the TOOCAA L2 desktop laser engraver & cutter, and a constellation of complementary software and accessories. The design of the TOOCAA L2 itself embodies the ecosystem philosophy by blending the strengths of different device categories. Reviewers note that TOOCAA L2 bridges the gap between open-frame hobby lasers and high-end enclosed machines. It has a rigid aluminum frame and accessibility akin to DIY open gantry lasers, but it's housed in a transparent orange enclosure that delivers the safety and polished user experience of an industrial machine. Central to TOOCAA's platform is its emphasis on safety and reliability. The L2 comes with an extensive array of safety features – Eight layers in total, which is unusually robust for a desktop machine in its price class. These include a magnetic lid sensor that immediately pauses the laser if the cover is opened, a flame detector that can halt operation or trigger alarms if an unsafe condition is detected, a gyroscope/tilt sensor that stops the laser if the machine is bumped or tilted, and emergency cutoff mechanisms. It even uses gas springs to hold the lid open safely and a special USB key dongle as a 'drive lock' to prevent unauthorized or accidental use (a child cannot run the laser without the key inserted). An integrated exhaust fan is built into the unit to draw smoke out of the enclosure, and users have the option to vent outside or connect a dedicated smoke purifier unit for indoor use. Safety isn't an afterthought in the TOOCAA ecosystem; it's a foundational feature around which the user experience is built. Another pillar of the ecosystem is TOOCAA's software integration. Alongside the L2 hardware, the company developed TOOCAA Studio, a browser-based application for designing and controlling laser projects. Ease of use is a major goal – the interface is meant to be friendly for beginners, offering presets and an intuitive workflow that spares users from fiddling with third-party control software if they don't want to. Traditionally, many low-cost laser engravers rely on generic freeware like LaserGRBL or require a paid program like LightBurn, which can pose a learning curve. By providing a polished in-house software, TOOCAA lowers the barrier for newcomers to get started creating quickly. At the same time, in an acknowledgment of advanced users' needs (and perhaps reflecting Elecfreaks' open-source roots), the L2 does not lock users into proprietary software. It remains compatible with popular third-party programs such as LightBurn and LaserGRBL, via USB or even offline via an SD card. The modular hardware design of the TOOCAA L2 is another key aspect of TOOCAA's ecosystem. Rather than a fixed one-size machine, the L2 was designed to be configurable and upgradable, allowing users to expand its capabilities over time. For instance, the laser module (the component that generates the laser beam) is interchangeable. Customers can choose from a 10W, 20W, or even 40W diode laser module based on their needs, a Rotary Roller attachment to engrave cylindrical objects like tumblers, and the aforementioned external Smoke Purifier unit with a high-efficiency filter for indoor air cleaning. TOOCAA has initiated a program to build an online community. On TOOCAA's online community, users are able to communicate with their creative works, such as sharing their works and design files, downloading creative design files, and using AI for creation. Through the construction of the online community, TOOCAA aims to create a one-stop platform for users to have a creative experience. Meanwhile, they have also hinted that they are about to launch a new generation of desktop laser engravers, intending to create desktop creations for home aesthetics. User Impact and Future Outlook: What TOOCAA's Ecosystem Means for Creators For the end user – the maker, the educator, the small business owner, the hobbyist in a garage – the rise of platforms like TOOCAA's ecosystem is a welcome development. It signals a future where creative tools are more accessible, more user-centric, and more empowering than ever before. Here's what the TOOCAA ecosystem means for users now and looking forward: Lower Barrier to Entry and Learning Curve: By integrating safety and user-friendly software, TOOCAA lowers the intimidation factor of laser cutting. They have a guided software (TOOCAA Studio) to create or import designs and hardware safeguards that forgive some beginner errors. This means more creators can join in, including classrooms where teachers want a safe laser cutter for STEM projects, or crafters who previously stuck to Cricut vinyl cutters but are now curious about laser engraving. As one tech writer put it, the L2 'blends some of the best features of both open and enclosed designs' at a reasonable price, making it one of the best options for those looking to get into laser crafting. The immediate impact is that an enthusiast doesn't need to spend $4,000 on a Glowforge or spend weeks learning a DIY laser kit's quirks; they can choose a mid-range TOOCAA system and get professional-grade results. A Tool That Grows With Your Creativity: Perhaps one of the most empowering aspects of the TOOCAA ecosystem is its scalability for the user. If you start a small Etsy shop engraving custom cutting boards, the base L2 (10W or 20W) might serve you well. If your business expands into cutting thicker hardwood signs or higher volume production, you could upgrade to the 40W module or add an air assist for faster, cleaner cuts, without having to replace the entire machine. If you discover a niche in engraving tumblers or jewelry, you can add the rotary and perhaps the infrared laser head to tackle those materials. In conclusion, if the company stays on course, we can expect the TOOCAA ecosystem to keep expanding the creative frontier for desktop makers. In the not-so-distant future, when a creator sits down at their desk to bring an idea to life, they won't just see a machine – they'll see a platform that supports their imagination end-to-end. Explore TOOCAA now:
