PINTAR STEM BUS
With efforts to promote STEM Learning (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) among Malaysian students, Biji-Biji Initiative collaborated with PINTAR Foundation on their latest Mobile Learning Unit, The STEMWorld Bus.
The StemWorld Bus is an actual functioning vehicle that will travel to numerous schools across the Malaysian Peninsular for 2 years. Over several tireless weeks, our team created four unique installations, each representing the four elements of STEM. These installations can be found inside the STEM Bus.
Science-Electricity and Secret Agents
This installation aims to teach students some interesting trivia about conventional and unconventional sources of electricity.
Students need to figure out the correct answer(s) to four questions related to electricity sources. They do so by connecting an electrical cable from the question to what they think is the correct answer. If the answer is wrong, a red buzzer goes off. If the answer is right,a hidden message which is only visible under UV light would be revealed.
Technology-Budget Island
This installation aims to introduce students to the marvelous world of technology and what technology can do. In particular, to showcase our Biji-biji Initiative staple, #BijibijiBikes.
To generate “income” on Budget Island, students need to cycle our modified bicycles, #Bijibijibikes which convert mechanical energy –generated by the students as they cycle– into electrical energy. For each round, two students have exactly one minute to cycle as fast and as hard as they can. The faster they cycle, the more credits they earn! Digital displays keep track of their income, the energy produced in Joules, total calories burnt, the power generated in Watts and the time remaining to complete the task. To give the students a better idea about energy generation, the digital panels also display for how long the energy generated can be used power the lights and air conditioning on the bus.
Mathematics-Budget Island
This installation aims to help students practice their basic mathematics skills through a simple game of financial planning.
The idea is the use the credits earned through cycling to plan for meals, accommodation and activities students plan to have on Budget Island. For each category, students pick one item, each one costing a different amount of credits. The goal is for them to plan their spendings within their budgets and apply financial planning to their daily lives.
Besides the installations by Biji-biji Initiative, there are also other fun and informative features on the bus including a 3D-printer.
