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The U-STEMist Scheme: Project Exhibition and Prize Presentation

The U-STEMist Scheme: Project Exhibition and Prize Presentation

The U-STEMist Scheme: Project Exhibition and Prize Presentation

In collaboration with The University of Hong Kong (HKU), The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) held a project exhibition cum prize presentation ceremony today (8 Jun) to showcase the output of a University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded project, titled ‘The U-STEMist Scheme’.

 

The exhibition was presided over by Professor Ng Tai-kai, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education, and featured 23 STEM artefacts invented and activities staged by inter-university teams in the past few months for their community partners. Eight of them were awarded under the categories ‘STEM Education’ and ‘STEM Invention’, in recognition of their exceptional creativity.

 

Launched in 2017, the U-STEMist Scheme is an inter-university project whose aim is to facilitate STEM education to nurture innovative talent, foster sustainable development, and address social problems. This year, over 120 undergraduates from the four participating universities majoring in STEM education or the main STEM-related disciplines, science, technology, engineering and mathematics, were grouped into 23 inter-university teams. Each team was required to identify the specific needs of the community partner assigned to it, ranging from non-governmental organisations and schools to private companies. To meet its partner’s needs, each team had to come up with a solution by designing a STEM invention or activity. The aim of the project is to broaden students’ perspectives, and at the same time stimulate creative ideas to benefit the community.

 

Dr Yeung Chi-ho, the project leader and Assistant Professor in the Department of Science and Environmental Studies of EdUHK, said, ‘By going beyond the boundaries of disciplines, the project allows students or pre-service teachers from different disciplines to explore a wide range of STEM-related subjects, learn from each other, and collaborate to develop problem-solving solutions for society. That’s what STEM education is all about.’  

 

The winning teams in this year’s U-STEMist Scheme are as follows:

 

STEM Education

 

  • Gold Award: Then, Now and the Future of Home Appliances
    The team used an internet-controlled buzzer, smart lamp, movement detector, smart plant irrigation system, and acoustic burglar alarm system to help students learn about the internet of things, sensors and programming. 
  • Silver Award: Smart Classroom
    The team introduced automated energy-saving tools, such as a built-in temperature sensor in a fan, to improve the physical environment of classrooms. 
  • Bronze Award: Designing an Eco-house with STEM
    The team demonstrated how to build a simple environmentally friendly house through micro:bit, for example, making an automated light bulb.
  • MeritSmart Coaster
    The team designed a smart coaster with a water reminder function using micro:bit.

STEM Inventions

 

  • Gold Award: DJI 2.0
    A new drone design with AI technology to identify possible hazards in construction sites.
  • Silver Award: A Desirable Desk for Children in Subdivided Flats
    A foldable, adjustable desk and light to improve the study environment for children living in subdivided flats.
  • Bronze Award: An AI-based Waste Classifier
    An AI-based waste classifier can be installed in a rubbish bin to monitor waste disposal and reduce improper waste dumping.
  • Merit: Development of a Mobile Web Application for the Climate Change Museum
    An online platform for museum visitors and an assistance tool for museum ambassadors.

For more information, please visit: https://www.ustemist.info/