STEMulator is a unique virtual platform aimed at sparking curiosity and interest in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) world and careers in young minds.
The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF), a prominent advocate for science and technology education in South Africa, is thrilled to announce the launch of the latest version of STEMulator, now equipped with science and biology classrooms on National Youth Day, 16th of June 2024, and very soon, will also include maths classrooms. This initiative aligns perfectly with the missions of many non-profit and philanthropic organisations dedicated to promoting education and youth development.
Revealing the Hidden World
“STEMulator.org is not your typical educational platform,” explains Richard Gundersen, Chief Instigator at STEMulator. “It’s an immersive, interactive, visual landscape filled with animated objects and clickable areas. Imagine a child clicking on a car and revealing its engine and pistons or clicking on a farm and learning about harvesting machinery. The plane reveals its jet engine, the human being a pumping heart, and then there are the hospital, factory, power stations, house and even a museum to explore. This engaging format allows learners to explore various aspects of STEM in a fun and accessible way and see the huge range of career opportunities.”
Aligning Missions for Greater Impact
Organisations focused on education and youth development will find a strong ally in STEMulator. “STEMulator is our gift to the nation’s youth, a free and accessible platform that makes learning about STEM fun and engaging,” continues Richard. “This is particularly important for students from underprivileged backgrounds who may not have access to traditional resources.” The STEMulator is also available on stand-alone memory sticks for those in remote areas or with poor connectivity. By providing a comprehensive, engaging, and free educational experience, STEMulator supports the development of future talent in STEM fields.
Opportunities for Collaboration
The creation of STEMulator is driven by the critical need to address the declining interest in STEM subjects among South African youth. STEMulator’s success and sustainability rely on strategic collaborations with nonprofits and donors. We invite like-minded organisations to join us in expanding the content and reach of this initiative, ensuring it benefits as many young learners as possible. By pooling resources, expertise, and networks, we can create a robust and sustainable model for STEM education and promote the careers vital to supporting the country’s infrastructure.
Key Features of STEMulator.org
- Virtual Landscape: Explore various aspects of STEM from pumping human hearts to jet turbines, microbes to mountains, and nature to agriculture in an interactive visual landscape.
- Virtual School: Features curriculum-aligned content and teacher guidance notes in maths and science classrooms, linking through to real world applications.
- Career Guidance: Provides valuable insights into career opportunities, helping learners to make informed decisions about their futures and subject choices.
- Accessibility: Completely free to use, ensuring all learners can benefit from this innovative resource, regardless of background and also available on stand-alone memory-sticks
- Continuous Expansion: Regularly updated with new material, including upcoming sections on mining and transport.
A Call to Action
STEMulator is freely available for integration into educational and careers guidance programmes.
The STEMulator is organic and will continue to grow. By supporting STEMulator with new content, resources, and expertise related to their fields, organisations can help establish a strong foundation for STEM education and highlight the importance of various disciplines in driving innovation and progress.
For more information or to contribute to the STEMulator initiative, please contact: Richard Gundersen – richard@stemulator.org
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