STEM Laboratories

Teachers’ Resource Laboratory

Uttar Pradesh

Many Indians believe that girls are less suitable for studying Science and Mathematics. As a result, for generations, girls from marginalised and rural communities have been deprived of pursuing studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), which help them to develop a logical and analytical bent of mind. They have been discouraged from following their dreams of becoming an engineer, doctor, pilot, etc. Even the teachers mentoring these girls remain largely incapable and often reluctant to correct the social perception, leading to poor academic performances by their students, especially girls, in Science and Maths.

STEM learning implies efficiently utilising Scientific and Mathematical concepts, experiencing applications of STEM in real life, and gaining age appropriate exposure to computer coding. STEM education requires facilities like a laboratory, computers, equipment for conducting experiments, and literature on global best practices. Rural India suffers from a severe deficiency of infrastructure, thereby adding to the challenges teachers and girls face in studying STEM. Studies show that for strengthening STEM education, building teachers’ perspective and capacity around experiential teaching-learning methods, making provisions for laboratories, and providing mentoring are essential.

Our Approach

The TRL model implemented in Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh impacts children, especially girls, by advancing their aspirations of pursuing STEM disciplines in the future, by supporting them in their foundational years. This will result in long-term social and economic dividends and more women opting for STEM careers. This project is aligned with the national and state government’s focus on promoting STEM education. It leverages existing government resources, and strongly uses CARE India’s technical partnership with the government to deliver change and impact.

The TRL project is based on a four-pronged approach, including:

Access to a well-equipped teacher development Resource Centre including a library, laboratory and ICT
Peer learning platforms for continuous development of teachers’ understanding on STEM pedagogy
Mentoring students, particularly for girls, by organising interactive sessions with women scientists, doctors and other professionals working in STEM-related sectors
Connecting with communities to increase their awareness about application of scientific processes in day-to-day life

Our Work

Under TRL, we are working with teachers to build their capacities by providing adequate support in the form of providing laboratories and allied infrastructure, experiment table, books, Science and Maths kits, etc. This way, the teachers can act as enablers who pass on their learnings to their students. As a result, all students, especially girls, can gain practical experience in Scientific and Mathematical concepts.

We are working with upper primary grade (6th to 8th) teachers to: