STEM Digital Learning

This track is one of the latest additions into the Al-Bairaq program implementing a fully virtual track with online courses that employ both synchronous and asynchronous mode of learning. This track is a result of the full dedication of the program so as to reach out to the students who have been restricted from a normal childhood learning conditions due to the unprecedented COVID-19 regime. The students were barred from experiencing a team based out-door or informal learning environment due to the social distancing protocols followed for their safety as in worldwide. This track witnessed a growing demand from parents, who have been leading the educational baton for the past year. Parents have been co-participating with their children on online platforms during our activities, motivating them and inspiring their children to improve their educational conditions. This track facilitates new modules like Force, Arduino, Application development, Food security, and Pottery using a new learning model, a STEM-based Virtual learning Model, that was developed by the STEM researchers at the QUYSC during the Covid-19 period. Under this track, Al bairaq has launched a YouTube channel exclusively for engaging young students of grade 4 and 5 to encourage self-directed learning and supplementary information in science through interactive STEAM videos designed to function as classroom enhancers. The videos contribute in practicing flipped classroom, thereby aiding the school teachers to attract the students. The videos are carefully designed by a team of well-experienced STEAM educators, driving the students to integrate science-learning experience in their everyday life.

Food security

This workshop is designed to introduce grade 4 students on the importance of food security and its four pillars: food availability, access to food, utilization and stability. The interactive workshop included hands-on activities carefully designed to be conducted at home with available materials. Students learnt about the distribution of food resources in earth, and the concept of food scarcity in some contents. They also explored about human activities that led to food shortage in the world. At the end of the workshop, students were encouraged to participate actively in their community by planting a fruit or vegetable of their choice at their home garden. Problem solving skills were developed by students, aiming for sustainable solutions to a food security problem introduced each day of the workshop. Other skills like critical and design thinking were also enhanced while performing the activities.

Mobile application

In this workshop students in grade 7, 8 and 9 were introduced to the world of mobile application development through an interactive workshop on Android Studio. The two weeks workshop was designed to teach students the basic component of an Online Shopping Application design of a product of their choice. They learnt on how to construct a simple application using coding with JAVA programing language, and create several pages on the application starting from the splash screen to the final purchase page. Students customized their own application to allow the users to have a smooth shopping experience. Students also practiced adding pictures and unique colors and backgrounds to make the application more appealing to users.

Arduino

Information Technology Communication (ICT) is a major driver of the development of all aspects of life in the in the current era. Arduino considered as one of the main building blocks in ICT. In this workshop participants are introduced to Arduino through various hands on activities. Through these activities students are mastering the use of Arduino with electronics and sensors, to come up with innovative ideas.

Pottery

“Pottery” workshop introduced students to a real life problem that lead them to solve it by making a pottery product. They discover about natural soil properties and they extract clay from natural soil. They acknowledge the advantages of ceramics compared with the existing different materials. The design project involves designing a ceramic cup using the Engineering design process with the specific rules, in which the students applies mathematical concepts into science and engineering.

Force

Forces and Motion” workshop introduced all concepts about forces, as it is an important concept n everyday life. The workshop helps the students understand the definition of forces, types of forces and factors effecting forces. As well as it familiarizes the students with Newton’s Laws of Motion and all equilibrium theories through interactive learning resources. Students explored scientific knowledge using different tools such as, videos, visual pictures, interactive experiments, virtual simulations, and competitive challenges. By the end of the workshop, the students improve critical thinking, problem solving, hands on activity and teamwork.