Dr Farha Sattar, a Mathematics teacher at Charles Darwin University, plans to run two workshops for students in Darwin with the aim to inspire young students in STEM education, thanks to a $48,000 Rainmaker Readiness grant won by the lecturer. In these two workshops, Farha Sattar will teach students on how to fly small drones.
The Drone program is an initiative to improve teaching and learning of subjects such as maths and science. According to Dr Sattar, the traditional methods of teaching these subjects those methods are not accomplishing the outcomes needed to satisfy the expectations and meet the levels of other higher education institutions. Rather, an innovative approach is needed to help retain students’ attention span and help them learn effectively.
Dr Sattar, who is also a certified drone pilot, said: “I am thrilled to receive this grant and have the opportunity to inspire young students through STEM education.”
Since 2017, she has investigated drones and their impact on STEM education.
“By teaching students from top-end and remote communities how to code and program drones, we can nurture a lifelong interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from an early age.”
From her experience on working on other exciting projects, she wants to leave a lifelong positive impact on the impressionable minds of the future generations to come.
“The main aim of these workshops is to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals and equip them with the technical skills needed for their future education and job prospects.”
The workshops and activities will be held during National Science Week, from August 12 to 20.” The activities and the workshops reflect the 2023 school theme for the annual event: Innovation: Powering Future Industries.
Students will be granted the opportunity to showcase their programming skills, enhancing their coding skills, alongside with utilising their creativity and logical thinking along the way.
Another CDU Lecturer, Carla Eisemberg said the aim of the workshops is to help students find their hidden potential. This can be the key to ignite their passion for learning in these academically rigorous subjects.
Dr Eisemberg said: “Drones are already being used in many industries, from advanced manufacturing, to medical supply transport and land and fire management”.
Dr Eisemberg further reinforced the need to bring about innovative ways to teach these subjects. This will not only equip them with the necessary knowledge within these fields, but will help them in the future as they embark on their future careers.
“The students of today are the engineers, drone technicians, and STEM educators of tomorrow. Engaging them with local challenges in the NT means we can help foster a wealth of knowledge about our unique landscape.”