STEM Clubs Network
Learners having fun while learning about STEM
The STEM Club Network
The Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Club Network is a provincial programme initiated by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), in collaboration with the Cape Town Science Centre (CTSC) which promotes and supports STEM Clubs based in schools. The STEM Club Network currently boasts over 70 STEM Clubs across all 8 educational districts, targeting both primary schools and high schools. The STEM Club Network is freely available to all schools within the Western Cape. To join the STEM Club Network, schools are requested to register their STEM Club/s. The benefits to joining the STEM Club Network include:
- Being part of a dynamic and active community of practice.
- Access to exclusive competitions and other exciting opportunities.
- Receive the regular STEM Club Network newsletter.
- Free training sessions.
- Point of contact should you need support or have queries.
- And much, much more!
THE DISTRIBUTION OF WCED-CTSC STEM CLUBS IN THE WESTERN CAPE
THE ROLE OF STEM CLUB
It is generally acknowledged that there is a need to improve learner's STEM skills and knowledge in order for them to navigate their way through the world they live in and to successfully access the opportunities available to them (Afterschool Alliance, 2011). The general downward trend of elective participation in STEM subjects by learners is a growing concern. While numerous STEM support programmes target what happens in the classroom, much of what shapes a learner’s attitude, confidence and interest in STEM subjects and fields is cultivated by their experiences outside of the classroom.
STEM Clubs, which develop aptitude and interest in STEM subjects and fields from an early age, and furthermore sustain their interest through the learner’s school career, increase the learner’s achievement and performance in STEM subjects. Chittum et al. found that with engagement in after school STEM Clubs, learners could be motivated in STEM subjects and that the experience had a positive impact on their perceptions about science as a field. (Chittum et al., International Journal of STEM Education (2017) 4:11).
BENEFITS OF STEM CLUBS
School-based STEM Clubs provide opportunities for learners to explore STEM topics, providing exposure beyond the scope of the curriculum and encouraging a culture of lifelong learning. STEM clubs promote heuristic thinking, cultivate positive attitudes to STEM, help link abstract concepts learnt in class to the real-world and allow learners to be the authors of their own discoveries and learning, ultimately building their confidence and encouraging participation in competitions like Expos and Olympiads (and more).
Learners from both Primary and High schools benefit greatly from participation in STEM Clubs, improving the culture of STEM learning amongst participants which leads to other learners wanting to take up STEM subjects and in turn showcase their achievements in class.
START YOUR STEM CLUB
General Information
- STEM clubs can be run at both Primary Schools (Grade 4 – 7) and at High Schools, possibly at two levels, (Grades 8 – 9 and/or Grades 10 – 12).
- There can be more than one STEM Club at a school. Each STEM Club must be registered separately – see point 8 below.
- The size of a STEM Club should be manageable for teachers and to fit in the space chosen for the meetings.
How to Start Your STEM Club
- Get buy-in from the HOD's and the Principal.
- Work with at least one other Teacher all year.
- Choose a meeting venue.
- Announce the formation of the STEM Club in an open forum e.g. assembly.
- Call the group of interested learners together to form the Club.
- Survey these learners as to what their STEM interests are.
- Determine the name for the STEM Club.
- Register your club with the Cape Town Science Centre (CTSC).