Reimagining STEM Education: Engaging Online Activities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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When the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to close in early 2020, STEM World, like many other educational institutions, faced the challenge of transitioning to online learning. This presented unique hurdles for STEM education, which traditionally relies heavily on hands-on activities and project-based learning. In this post, I'll share how we overcame these challenges and created engaging online STEM experiences for K-12 students.

Developing Engaging Online Curriculum:

To address the need for remote learning, we proposed several online courses with different themes: Biomimicry, Data Science, and Biochemistry-focused Immunology. The Immunology class garnered the most interest, aiming to provide students with a deeper understanding of the human immune system and its interaction with viruses and bacteria.

A Four-Stage Learning Journey:

The Immunology curriculum was divided into four 90-minute sessions, each incorporating hands-on activities and computer programming assignments:

 
1. Introduction to the Lymphatic (Immune) System: Students explored the components of the lymphatic system through interactive visuals and discussion







2. Shapes of Bacteria and Viruses: Students learned about different types of blood cells and their roles in immunity. They then used Powtoon, an animation tool, to create dynamic presentations of their learning.






3. Mood Enhancer: Serotonin: This session explored the impact of mood on the immune system, focusing on how hormones like serotonin and endorphins can boost immunity. Students applied basic storyboarding and keyframing techniques to animate their understanding of these concepts.


4. The New Era of Medicine: Bacteriophage: Students delved into the world of bacteriophages and viruses that infect bacteria. They engaged in hands-on origami activities to create models of bacteriophages and explored their potential in medicine.


Call to Action:

Throughout 2020, we offered the Immunology class multiple times, continuously revising and enhancing the curriculum based on student feedback and engagement.

To learn more about our online STEM programs or to sign up for a class, please visit our website: http://www.stemworld.net