FOCS lecturers, student helpers and participating primary school teachers come together for a group photo after a successful workshop.
Teachers explore computational thinking through a hands-on NAO Robot demonstration during the workshop.
TAR UMT through its Faculty of Computing and Information Technology (FOCS), successfully organised the STEAM Outreach for Educators: A Community Service Initiative on 25 April 2026. Conducted by a team of FOCS lecturers, the full-day workshop equipped primary school teachers with practical knowledge, innovative teaching strategies and hands-on experience in integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) into their classrooms.
The workshop brought together 21 enthusiastic primary school teachers, who were divided into six teams to participate in a series of interactive learning activities designed to strengthen their understanding of STEAM education while promoting collaboration, creativity and real-world problem-solving. Throughout the programme, participants demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm and actively engaged in every session.
The workshop began with an Introduction to STEAM, where participants explored the significance of STEAM education in today's learning environment. The session introduced the Framework for Developing Teacher Competency in STEAM, enabling teachers to better understand how interdisciplinary teaching can cultivate creativity, critical thinking and innovation among students.
The second session focused on Computational Thinking (CT), introducing participants to key concepts such as decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction and algorithm design. Using the NAO Robot and the Choregraphe programming software, teachers experienced computational thinking through an engaging, visual approach. The hands-on activities helped participants develop logical problem-solving skills while increasing their confidence in incorporating computational thinking into classroom instruction.
Next, participants were introduced to the Engineering Design Process, which demonstrated how science, mathematics and technology can be integrated through design thinking. Teachers took part in practical design challenges that encouraged them to apply the engineering design cycle, from identifying problems to developing and refining solutions. The session also inspired participants to adapt similar engineering activities into their own classrooms to foster innovation and creativity among young learners.
The workshop concluded with its highlight, the Project-Oriented Problem-Based Learning (PoPBL) session, where participants collaborated to tackle authentic, real-world challenges. Working in teams, they designed and built prototypes for a Smart Flood-Resilient House, applying STEAM principles to address flood-related issues. The innovative solutions included elevated housing designs and water sensor-based response systems.
A judging panel evaluated the projects based on innovation, practicality, teamwork and presentation. The friendly competition showcased the participants' creativity, critical thinking and collaborative spirit, making it one of the most engaging segments of the programme.
The STEAM Outreach for Educators: A Community Service Initiative successfully achieved its objective of strengthening teachers' competencies in STEAM education while demonstrating practical approaches for integrating interdisciplinary learning into primary school classrooms.
