The 8th Teenager Maker Camp and Teacher Workshop was conducted from 22 to 28 July 2024 in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. This event was hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China (MOST), and the People’s Government of Yunnan Province under the theme “Dream of Future Science, Dedication to a Better World”. The camp aimed to enhance cross-cultural exchange, foster international understanding, inspire innovation in the younger generation, and encourage mutual learning among scientists and science educators.
SEAQIS as a member of the Belt and Road International Science Education Consortium (BRISEC) selected 10 students and two teachers from Indonesia as well as 10 students and three teachers from Cambodia and Lao PDR to participate in this annual camp. The Indonesian students who took part in this event were Amira Hasyah Syauqiah and Virnie Rifiana Achmad from MTs Al-Hamidiyah; Abdurrohman Fathi Hisyam and Faisal Danu Daniswara from SMAIT Asy-Syukriyyah; Albryan Ramzy Fatikha Sangsaka, Catleya Nazila Ramadhani, and Meyda Chairunnisa from SMP Darul Ulum 1 Peterongan; Cleora Ardhintya Zhafira, Ingrid Dwita Aurelia Tarigan, and Khalisa Azkadina Maysa from SMP Negeri 8 Pekanbaru. During the camp, the students were guided by Ms Aisah Salmiyah, a teacher from SMP Darul Ulum 1 Peterongan; Ms Ely Yunita, a teacher from SMP Negeri 8 Pekanbaru; Mr Rian Muhamad Fitriyatna, an officer of the Directorate General of Teacher and Education Personnel at the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology; as well as Mr Zuhe Safitra and Mr Rizwan Darmawan from SEAQIS.
This camp allowed students to learn about science and technology development from scientists worldwide. Indonesian students participated in activities to understand the principles of photovoltaic power generation. Kunming University of Science and Technology instructors guided the students in constructing fidget spinners and luminous clothing using solar energy sources. Additionally, the students and teachers visited Yunnan Baiyao Smart Industrial Park to learn about the smart systems implemented by the company in producing their renowned Chinese medicine products and Lufeng World Dinosaur Valley, where numerous dinosaur fossils have been discovered.
As part of this activity, an International Science Education Exchange Activity was organised as a platform for experts in science education and teachers from various countries to share insights on STEM learning through traditional toys. SEAQIS, which has been promoting STEM learning in Southeast Asia since 2016, presented the paper propeller as one of Indonesia’s traditional toys that can be used in STEM learning activities. Mr Rizwan represented SEAQIS to explain the steps in creating a paper propeller as part of STEM learning activities through a reverse engineering process. The presentation provided valuable insights to the teachers participating in the activity, assisting them in designing STEM learning activities for their students.
This event proved to be a valuable experience for both students and teachers, broadening their horizons in science, technology, and culture. The camp is also hoped to inspire students and teachers to contribute not only on a national level but also internationally, as they are part of the global community.
Writer: Rizwan Darmawan
Proofreader: Ayu Intan H.
