CHRIST University
Australian Catholic University
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Event Report

Inaugural STEM Workshop

12 December 2025
CHRIST University

The inaugural workshop was facilitated by Ms. Jaisleen Kaur Sondhi, Research Scholar at the School of Education, whose doctoral research focuses on STEAM Education. The two-hour session was conducted for approximately 40 students of Grade 7 and was designed to foster creativity, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving.

Session Overview

The workshop began with an introduction to the theoretical foundations of construction and design thinking. Students were introduced to the importance of creating a blueprint before initiating any structural design. Key scientific concepts such as forces in action, along with tension and compression, were explained in an age-appropriate and engaging manner to help students understand the structural principles behind stable constructions.

Tallest Tower Activity

The core activity of the session was the "Tallest Tower Challenge," where students were divided into groups of six. Each group was mentored by:

  • One pre-service teacher from Australian Catholic University
  • One pre-service teacher from CHRIST University

This collaborative mentoring model not only supported students' learning but also provided valuable experiential exposure for the pre-service teachers. Students applied their understanding of structural forces while designing and constructing their towers, integrating creativity with scientific reasoning.

Experiential and Creative Closure

To conclude the session, a theatre-based activity was conducted, ensuring that learning was both reflective and enjoyable. This creative wrap-up helped reinforce concepts while leaving students with positive and memorable learning experiences.

The workshop successfully marked the first academic session of the Global STEM Education Centre. With active participation from around 40 students and strong collaborative involvement from pre-service teachers of both partnering institutions, the session set a dynamic and engaging tone for future initiatives of the Centre. The event highlighted the Centre's commitment to interdisciplinary, experiential, and globally collaborative STEM education.