NEP 2020 is designed to focus on application-based and STEM learning in India. STEM education is the base of new technological innovations. If we wish India to stand as an international innovation hub, we must focus on STEM learning and encourage our students to upgrade from theoretical knowledge to practical application.
In this blog, we will talk about the innovative initiatives by different organizations to support STEM learning in India. So, let’s start.
Organizations Supporting STEM Learning in India
Shell’s NXplorers
NXplorers is Shell’s global educational program designed to equip young people with critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address complex challenges in food, water, and energy systems. It introduces a methodology called NXthinking, which combines systems thinking, scenario planning, and change management to help students explore issues, envision sustainable futures, and implement positive change.
The program is structured into three tiers:
NXplorers Junior: For students aged 10–13, focusing on creative problem-solving through interactive learning.
NXplorers Senior: For students aged 14–18, applying NXthinking to address local and global challenges.
NXplorers Pro: For undergraduates and professionals, deepening systems thinking skills to develop sustainable solutions.
NXplorers is available in multiple countries, including India, and aims to empower youth to become agents of positive change in their communities.
Shell’s NXplorers program is officially partnered with NITI Aayog through its Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). This collaboration aims to enhance STEM learning in India by integrating NXplorers into Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) across the country.
In 2023, NITI Aayog recognized the NXplorers India program and invited the team to pilot it as part of the Atal Innovation Mission, a national initiative to promote STEM learning in India.
As part of this collaboration, Shell India has trained over 200 ATL coordinators in cities like Mumbai, Virudhunagar, Belgaum, and Udupi. These trained coordinators have conducted NXplorers workshops, benefiting more than 12,000 students.
The NXplorers program, implemented by Shell’s partners such as the Learning Links Foundation and SMILE Foundation, is tailored to help young minds develop skills to address complex global challenges at the intersection of food, water, and energy.
This partnership aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes experiential and holistic learning and aims to transform India’s educational landscape.
Bayer India
Bayer India, in collaboration with BharatCares, has launched the ‘Better School Program’ to enhance STEM learning in India including rural areas. This initiative aims to provide students with modern educational facilities and experiential learning opportunities.
The program includes the establishment of STEM labs, smart classrooms, computer labs, indoor play kits, improved sports facilities, and the installation of solar panels to ensure a reliable power supply. These enhancements are designed to empower students with modern teaching methodologies and resources, fostering innovative learning and skill development.
Initially implemented in four schools in Himatnagar, Gujarat, the program benefits over 850 students from grades 1 to 8. It also features modular libraries with diverse, grade-appropriate books and learning aids, as well as interactive digital learning tools through smart classes.
This initiative aligns with Bayer’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, promoting the adoption of clean and renewable energy sources in schools. Additionally, Bayer has collaborated with IMPACT4Nutrition to improve students’ nutritional health and awareness.
Eaton India
Eaton India Foundation’s STEM education program aims to make science learning more engaging and hands-on for students, especially in underserved areas. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Science Saturdays
Eaton employees volunteer every Saturday to conduct extra science classes and activities that align with the week’s school curriculum. These sessions use activity kits to help students understand scientific concepts through practical experiments.
Mobile Science Bus
In partnership with Pondicherry Science Development, Eaton launched a mobile science bus that travels to schools around Puducherry. This bus brings interactive science exhibits directly to students, allowing them to explore and learn on-site.
DIY Science Modules
Collaborating with Life-Lab, Eaton developed 114 do-it-yourself science activity modules, complete with lesson plans and videos. These resources help teachers create a fun and interactive learning environment. The Delhi Government’s Department of Education has adopted these modules, reaching approximately 450,000 children across 1,035 schools.
Overall, Eaton’s initiatives focus on enhancing scientific literacy and fostering a spirit of inquiry among young learners by providing them with the tools and opportunities to learn science through doing.
Wabtec
Wabtec, a global leader in transportation solutions, is actively supporting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education in India through partnerships with organizations like the India STEM Foundation. Here’s a simple overview of their initiatives:
1. Establishing STEM Labs:
Wabtec has set up STEM Tinkering Labs, known as Robo Siksha Kendras, in schools across India, including two in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. These labs provide students with hands-on experience in robotics, electronics, and coding, encouraging practical learning and innovation.
2. Supporting Students and Teachers:
The company offers scholarships and grants to students pursuing STEM fields, making education more accessible. Additionally, Wabtec invests in teacher training programs to enhance educators’ skills in delivering effective STEM education.
3. Promoting Inclusivity:
Wabtec’s initiatives aim to bridge the gender gap in STEM by encouraging girls to participate in science and technology programs, fostering a more inclusive environment.
4. Showcasing Student Innovations:
Through events like the STEM Showcase, students present their projects, such as autonomous waste-sorting robots and solar-powered irrigation systems, demonstrating the practical applications of their learning.
Atal Tinkering Lab Promoting STEM Learning in India
Atal Tinkering Lab under Atal Innovation Mission is built to enable every student to learn STEM. Students from every corner of India can get access to advanced STEM equipment and help them learn advanced technology with ease.
There are 10,000 ATLs in India the government is all set to establish 50,000 more in the next 5 years. ATALUP has been helping schools with the Atal Tinkering Lab registration process and even runs it actively. STEM learning in India is the new era and your school can be a participant as well. Contact our team to learn more about ATL and STEM learning. Call +91 9175770075 to learn more.