On July 31, 2024, Khajuri Primary School in Village Khajuri, Sub District Kunkavav Vadia, District Amreli, was buzzing with excitement as students dove into the world of shapes during a special workshop focused on 2D and 3D geometry. With the support of the Waah Foundation, this event was all about getting students from rural areas enthusiastic about STEM subjects through hands-on learning.
Starting with the Basics
Our day began with an introduction to the fascinating realm of shapes, led by the dynamic duo of Shubham Gajera and Pujan Adroja. They broke down the essentials of 2D and 3D shapes, helping 219 students, both girls and boys, understand how flat shapes can form the building blocks of three-dimensional objects. Five teachers joined the session to gain insights and techniques to further STEM education in their classrooms. The goal was to make these concepts not just understandable, but also fun and relatable.
From Paper to Structure
Armed with scissors, paper, and a lot of enthusiasm, 50 students participated in the hands-on activity where they took on the challenge of transforming 2D cutouts into 3D shapes. It was amazing to watch as they constructed everything from prisms to pyramids and even some complex solids with curved surfaces. In total, the students created an impressive 21 different shapes! This hands-on activity was more than just fun; it reinforced their understanding of geometry and encouraged collaboration and creativity.
Learning Beyond the Textbook
Dhruv Saidava and Jay Kathrotiya, two champions of STEM education, shared insights on the importance of practical learning. They emphasized how engaging with real-world applications can spark curiosity and innovation among students. By encouraging the students to think beyond the textbook, they inspired a new way of learning—one that’s dynamic and full of possibilities.
A Teacher’s Guiding Hand
A special shoutout goes to Mr. Yogesh Kavathia, the ever-enthusiastic science teacher at Khajuri Primary School. His support and guidance throughout the workshop were invaluable. Mr. Kavathia’s dedication to his students was evident as he helped them navigate challenges and encouraged them to explore and experiment with different designs.
Making it Possible
This workshop wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of the Waah Foundation, which provided the necessary kits for the activities. Their commitment to enhancing STEM education in rural areas has been instrumental in opening up new learning opportunities for students.
Looking Ahead
The 2D-3D Shapes Workshop was a hit, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved. It showed how hands-on learning could deepen students’ understanding and ignite a passion for STEM subjects. With continued support from organizations like the Waah Foundation, we can ensure that students from all backgrounds have the tools they need to succeed in the rapidly evolving world of science and technology.
In the end, it was a day of discovery and creativity, and we’re excited to see where these budding mathematicians and engineers will go next!