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The '''STEMulator''' is an online educational platform developed by the [[National Science and Technology Forum]] (NSTF) in South Africa. Launched in July 2020, it provides digital resources to support [[STEM education|Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)]] education for students.<ref>{{cite news |title=Free online tool encourages children to explore, discover and learn about STEM fields |work=Engineering News |date=17 February 2022 |url=https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/free-online-tool-encourages-stem-exploration-discovery-and-learning-2022-02-21 |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref> The platform offers curriculum-aligned content to facilitate learning in STEM subjects.<ref>{{cite web |title=STEMulator: Your Partner to Foster STEM Literacy |website=Eskom Expo for Young Scientists |date=13 June 2024 |url=https://exposcience.co.za/stemulator-your-partner-to-foster-stem-literacy/ |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref>
[[File:STEMulator-landing-page-2025.jpg|thumb|The landing page landscape of the STEMulator website]]The '''STEMulator''' is an online educational platform developed by the [[National Science and Technology Forum]] (NSTF) in South Africa. Launched in July 2020, it provides digital resources to support [[STEM education|Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)]] education for students.<ref>{{cite news |title=Free online tool encourages children to explore, discover and learn about STEM fields |work=Engineering News |date=17 February 2022 |url=https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/free-online-tool-encourages-stem-exploration-discovery-and-learning-2022-02-21 |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref> The platform offers curriculum-aligned content to facilitate learning in STEM subjects.<ref>{{cite web |title=STEMulator: Your Partner to Foster STEM Literacy |website=Eskom Expo for Young Scientists |date=13 June 2024 |url=https://exposcience.co.za/stemulator-your-partner-to-foster-stem-literacy/ |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
The STEMulator was established under the NSTF’s proSET program, a network focused on advancing STEM education and professional development.<ref>{{cite web |title=Call for Contributions: STEMulator e-learning |website=SACNASP |date=November 2020 |url=https://www.sacnasp.org.za/news/2020/call-for-contributions-stemulator-e-learning |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref> It was launched in July 2020 to provide interactive digital tools for student engagement.<ref>{{cite news |title=Business called on to contribute to STEM education |work=EngineerIT |date=9 June 2024 |url=https://www.engineerit.co.za/article/business-called-on-to-contribute-to-stem-education |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref> It was developed to address South Africa’s shortage of STEM skills, which are essential for economic growth and global competitiveness, with projections indicating that 80% of future jobs will require STEM expertise.<ref>{{cite news |title=STEM education: Disruptions and the future |work=Mail & Guardian |date=4 November 2022 |url=https://mg.co.za/special-reports/2022-11-04-stem-education-disruptions-and-the-future/ |access-date=18 June 2025}}</ref> In 2022, offline USB distributions were provided to 150 rural schools to improve access in areas with limited internet connectivity.<ref>{{cite news |last=Burger |first=Schalk |title=Free interactive virtual world introduces children to STEM world and careers |work=Engineering News |date=18 February 2022 |url=https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/free-interactive-virtual-world-introduces-children-to-stem-world-and-careers-2022-02-18 |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref> A virtual school feature was introduced on 16 June 2024, coinciding with [[Youth Day (South Africa)|National Youth Day]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Long |first=Kristin |title=STEMulator – a gift to the youth of the nation |work=RACA Journal |date=14 June 2024 |url=https://refrigerationandaircon.co.za/stemulator-a-gift-to-the-youth-of-the-nation/ |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref>
The STEMulator was established under the NSTF’s proSET program, a network focused on advancing STEM education and professional development.<ref>{{cite web |title=Call for Contributions: STEMulator e-learning |website=SACNASP |date=November 2020 |url=https://www.sacnasp.org.za/news/2020/call-for-contributions-stemulator-e-learning |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref> It was launched in July 2020 to provide interactive digital tools for student engagement.<ref>{{cite news |title=Business called on to contribute to STEM education |work=EngineerIT |date=9 June 2024 |url=https://www.engineerit.co.za/article/business-called-on-to-contribute-to-stem-education |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Promoting STEM careers to drive Africa's future |website=Chege Publishing |url=https://chegepublishing.net/promoting-stem-careers-to-drive-africas-future/ |access-date=26 June 2025}}</ref>
It was developed to address South Africa’s shortage of STEM skills, which are essential for economic growth and global competitiveness, with projections indicating that 80% of future jobs will require STEM expertise.<ref>{{cite news |title=STEM education: Disruptions and the future |work=Mail & Guardian |date=4 November 2022 |url=https://mg.co.za/special-reports/2022-11-04-stem-education-disruptions-and-the-future/ |access-date=18 June 2025}}</ref> In 2022, offline USB distributions were provided to 150 rural schools to improve access in areas with limited internet connectivity. <ref>{{cite news |last=Burger |first=Schalk |title=Free interactive virtual world introduces children to STEM world and careers |work=Engineering News |date=18 February 2022 |url=https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/free-interactive-virtual-world-introduces-children-to-stem-world-and-careers-2022-02-18 |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=ASSAf Annual Report 2023/24 |website=Academy of Science of South Africa |date=2024 |url=https://www.assaf.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ASSAf-Annual-Report_2023-24_Final.pdf#page=76 |access-date=26 June 2025}}</ref> A virtual school feature was introduced on 16 June 2024, coinciding with [[Youth Day (South Africa)|National Youth Day]]. <ref>{{cite news |last=Long |first=Kristin |title=STEMulator – a gift to the youth of the nation |work=RACA Journal |date=14 June 2024 |url=https://refrigerationandaircon.co.za/stemulator-a-gift-to-the-youth-of-the-nation/ |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref>


== Features ==
== Features ==
The STEMulator provides a gamified interface with content aligned to the South African school curriculum, covering topics such as engineering processes and technological developments.<ref>{{cite news |title=Explore STEM with STEMulator: A gift to the nation's youth |work=Engineering News |date=18 June 2024 |url=https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/explore-stem-with-stemulator-a-gift-to-the-nations-youth-2024-06-18 |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref> The platform’s virtual world allows users to interact with clickable landscapes that reveal the internal structures and functions of objects, supporting deeper understanding of STEM concepts.<ref>{{cite news |title=STEM education: Disruptions and the future |work=Mail & Guardian |date=4 November 2022 |url=https://mg.co.za/special-reports/2022-11-04-stem-education-disruptions-and-the-future/ |access-date=18 June 2025}}</ref> The STEMulator offers a virtual world with animated content, such as representations of biological and mechanical systems, under the theme “The Hidden World Revealed” to promote exploration and learning.<ref>{{cite web |title=STEMulator |website=SASPP |url=https://saspp.co.za/stemulator/ |access-date=18 June 2025}}</ref> In June 2024, modules on science and biology were added, with plans to include mathematics.<ref>{{cite web |title=STEMulator: Your Partner to Foster STEM Literacy |website=Eskom Expo for Young Scientists |date=13 June 2024 |url=https://exposcience.co.za/stemulator-your-partner-to-foster-stem-literacy/ |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref> The STEMulator provides career information and promotes the professional services of Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) societies to assist students, decision-makers, and the public in understanding the importance of STEM.<ref>{{cite news |title=STEM education: Disruptions and the future |work=Mail & Guardian |date=4 November 2022 |url=https://mg.co.za/special-reports/2022-11-04-stem-education-disruptions-and-the-future/ |access-date=18 June 2025}}</ref> The platform is accessible online and through offline USB distributions.<ref>{{cite news |last=Burger |first=Schalk |title=Free interactive virtual world introduces children to STEM world and careers |work=Engineering News |date=18 February 2022 |url=https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/free-interactive-virtual-world-introduces-children-to-stem-world-and-careers-2022-02-18 |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref>
The STEMulator provides a gamified interface with content aligned to the South African school curriculum, covering topics such as engineering processes and technological developments. <ref>{{cite news |title=Explore STEM with STEMulator: A gift to the nation’s youth |work=Engineering News |date=18 June 2024 |url=https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/explore-stem-with-stemulator-a-gift-to-the-nations-youth-2024-06-18 |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=STEM learning in a virtual world |website=Gadget |date=2022 |url=https://gadget.co.za/stemlearning74t/ |access-date=26 June 2025}}</ref> The platform’s virtual world allows users to interact with clickable landscapes that reveal the internal structures and functions of objects, supporting deeper understanding of STEM concepts<ref>{{cite news |title=STEM education: Disruptions and the future |work=Mail &#x26; Guardian |date=4 November 2022 |url=https://mg.co.za/special-reports/2022-11-04-stem-education-disruptions-and-the-future/ |access-date=18 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Imperial Engineer Spring 2023 |website=Imperial College London |date=2023 |url=https://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperial-college/faculty-of-engineering/public/imperial-engineer/IE38_Spring_2023.pdf |access-date=26 June 2025}}</ref>
The STEMulator offers a virtual world with animated content, such as representations of biological and mechanical systems, under the theme “The Hidden World Revealed” to promote exploration and learning.<ref>{{cite web |title=STEMulator |website=SASPP |url=https://saspp.co.za/stemulator/ |access-date=18 June 2025}}</ref> In June 2024, modules on science and biology were added, with plans to include mathematics.<ref>{{cite web |title=STEMulator: Your Partner to Foster STEM Literacy |website=Eskom Expo for Young Scientists |date=13 June 2024 |url=https://exposcience.co.za/stemulator-your-partner-to-foster-stem-literacy/ |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref> The STEMulator provides career information and promotes the professional services of Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) societies to assist students, decision-makers, and the public in understanding the importance of STEM.<ref>{{cite news |title=STEM education: Disruptions and the future |work=Mail & Guardian |date=4 November 2022 |url=https://mg.co.za/special-reports/2022-11-04-stem-education-disruptions-and-the-future/ |access-date=18 June 2025}}</ref> The platform is accessible online and through offline USB distributions.<ref>{{cite news |last=Burger |first=Schalk |title=Free interactive virtual world introduces children to STEM world and careers |work=Engineering News |date=18 February 2022 |url=https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/free-interactive-virtual-world-introduces-children-to-stem-world-and-careers-2022-02-18 |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref>


== Development and Partnerships ==
== Development and Partnerships ==
The platform was developed through the NSTF’s proSET initiative in collaboration with educators, engineers, and software developers, with support from South African technology companies and non-governmental organizations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Business called on to contribute to STEM education |work=EngineerIT |date=9 June 2024 |url=https://www.engineerit.co.za/article/business-called-on-to-contribute-to-stem-education |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=STEMulator – unblocking the pipeline of STEM practitioners |website=Crown Publications |date=14 May 2021 |url=https://www.crown.co.za/mechchem-africa/industry-innovations/28841-explore-stem-with-stemulator |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref> Partnerships with regional organizations have been formed to enhance accessibility, though specific partners are not publicly disclosed.<ref name="EngineerIT2024">{{cite news |title=Business called on to contribute to STEM education |work=EngineerIT |date=9 June 2024 |url=https://www.engineerit.co.za/article/business-called-on-to-contribute-to-stem-education |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref> The STEMulator allows organizations to feature on the platform with hyperlinks to their websites, and its content is distributed to schools through memory sticks and server-routers.<ref>{{cite web |title=STEMulator |website=SASPP |url=https://saspp.co.za/stemulator/ |access-date=18 June 2025}}</ref>
The platform was developed through the NSTF’s proSET initiative in collaboration with educators, engineers, and software developers, with support from South African technology companies and non-governmental organizations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Business called on to contribute to STEM education |work=EngineerIT |date=9 June 2024 |url=https://www.engineerit.co.za/article/business-called-on-to-contribute-to-stem-education |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=STEMulator – unblocking the pipeline of STEM practitioners |website=Crown Publications |date=14 May 2021 |url=https://www.crown.co.za/mechchem-africa/industry-innovations/28841-explore-stem-with-stemulator |access-date=16 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Quest Magazine Vol 20 No 4 |website=Academy of Science of South Africa |date=2024 |url=https://research.assaf.org.za/assafserver/api/core/bitstreams/9634b1ff-df2d-40aa-aeb0-c4e360a82360/content?isDownload=true |access-date=26 June 2025}}</ref>

Partnerships with regional organizations have been formed to enhance accessibility, though specific partners are not publicly disclosed. <ref>{{cite web |title=STEMulator |website=SASPP |url=https://saspp.co.za/stemulator/ |access-date=18 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Imperial Engineer Autumn 2024 |website=Imperial College London |date=2024 |url=https://www.imperial.ac.uk/media/imperial-college/faculty-of-engineering/public/imperial-engineer/IE41-hi-res-eEdition.pdf |access-date=26 June 2025}}</ref>


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
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== Awards and Recognition ==
== Awards and Recognition ==
The STEMulator received an Honorable Mention at the CAETS Communication Prize during the CAETS 2024 symposium in Helsinki, Finland, for a video titled "STEMulator," nominated by the South African Academy of Engineering. The award recognizes outstanding audiovisual communication of excellence and innovation in technological sciences or engineering, aimed at engaging general audiences, particularly young people and students. <ref>{{cite web |title=CAETS Communication Prize 2024 Winner Announcement |website=International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences |date=July 2024 |url=https://www.newcaets.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CAETS-Communication-Prize-2024-Winner-announcement.pdf |access-date=26 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=CAETS Communication Prize 2024 |website=South African Academy of Engineering |date=1 February 2024 |url=https://saae.co.za/caets-communication-prize-2024-2/ |access-date=26 June 2025}}</ref>
The STEMulator received the national CAETS Communication Prize in 2023, awarded by the South African Academy of Engineering, for its effective communication of STEM concepts to young audiences.<ref>{{cite web |title=CAETS Communication Prize 2023 |website=South African Academy of Engineering |date=2023 |url=https://saae.co.za/caets-communication-prize-2023/ |access-date=26 June 2025}}</ref>
Additionally, it received an Honourable Mention at the CAETS Communication Prize during the CAETS 2024 symposium in Helsinki, Finland, for a video titled "STEMulator," nominated by the South African Academy of Engineering. The award recognizes outstanding audiovisual communication of excellence and innovation in technological sciences or engineering, aimed at engaging general audiences, particularly young people and students.<ref>{{cite web |title=CAETS Communication Prize 2024 Winner Announcement |website=International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences |date=July 2024 |url= https://www.newcaets.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CAETS-Communication-Prize-2024-Winner-announcement.pdf |access-date=26 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=CAETS Communication Prize 2024 |website=South African Academy of Engineering |date=1 February 2024 |url=https://saae.co.za/caets-communication-prize-2024-2/ |access-date=26 June 2025}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==

Revision as of 22:53, 27 June 2025


The landing page landscape of the STEMulator website

The STEMulator is an online educational platform developed by the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) in South Africa. Launched in July 2020, it provides digital resources to support Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for students.[1] The platform offers curriculum-aligned content to facilitate learning in STEM subjects.[2]

History

The STEMulator was established under the NSTF’s proSET program, a network focused on advancing STEM education and professional development.[3] It was launched in July 2020 to provide interactive digital tools for student engagement.[4][5]

It was developed to address South Africa’s shortage of STEM skills, which are essential for economic growth and global competitiveness, with projections indicating that 80% of future jobs will require STEM expertise.[6] In 2022, offline USB distributions were provided to 150 rural schools to improve access in areas with limited internet connectivity. [7][8] A virtual school feature was introduced on 16 June 2024, coinciding with National Youth Day. [9]

Features

The STEMulator provides a gamified interface with content aligned to the South African school curriculum, covering topics such as engineering processes and technological developments. [10][11] The platform’s virtual world allows users to interact with clickable landscapes that reveal the internal structures and functions of objects, supporting deeper understanding of STEM concepts[12][13]

The STEMulator offers a virtual world with animated content, such as representations of biological and mechanical systems, under the theme “The Hidden World Revealed” to promote exploration and learning.[14] In June 2024, modules on science and biology were added, with plans to include mathematics.[15] The STEMulator provides career information and promotes the professional services of Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) societies to assist students, decision-makers, and the public in understanding the importance of STEM.[16] The platform is accessible online and through offline USB distributions.[17]

Development and Partnerships

The platform was developed through the NSTF’s proSET initiative in collaboration with educators, engineers, and software developers, with support from South African technology companies and non-governmental organizations.[18][19][20]

Partnerships with regional organizations have been formed to enhance accessibility, though specific partners are not publicly disclosed. [21][22]

Reception

The STEMulator has been described in South African publications, including Engineering News and RACA Journal, as a tool for supporting STEM education.[23][24] Educators and industry professionals have noted its role in supplementing classroom resources.[25]

Awards and Recognition

The STEMulator received the national CAETS Communication Prize in 2023, awarded by the South African Academy of Engineering, for its effective communication of STEM concepts to young audiences.[26]

Additionally, it received an Honourable Mention at the CAETS Communication Prize during the CAETS 2024 symposium in Helsinki, Finland, for a video titled "STEMulator," nominated by the South African Academy of Engineering. The award recognizes outstanding audiovisual communication of excellence and innovation in technological sciences or engineering, aimed at engaging general audiences, particularly young people and students.[27][28]

References

  1. ^ "Free online tool encourages children to explore, discover and learn about STEM fields". Engineering News. 17 February 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
  2. ^ "STEMulator: Your Partner to Foster STEM Literacy". Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. 13 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
  3. ^ "Call for Contributions: STEMulator e-learning". SACNASP. November 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
  4. ^ "Business called on to contribute to STEM education". EngineerIT. 9 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
  5. ^ "Promoting STEM careers to drive Africa's future". Chege Publishing. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  6. ^ "STEM education: Disruptions and the future". Mail & Guardian. 4 November 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  7. ^ Burger, Schalk (18 February 2022). "Free interactive virtual world introduces children to STEM world and careers". Engineering News. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
  8. ^ "ASSAf Annual Report 2023/24" (PDF). Academy of Science of South Africa. 2024. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  9. ^ Long, Kristin (14 June 2024). "STEMulator – a gift to the youth of the nation". RACA Journal. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
  10. ^ "Explore STEM with STEMulator: A gift to the nation's youth". Engineering News. 18 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
  11. ^ "STEM learning in a virtual world". Gadget. 2022. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  12. ^ "STEM education: Disruptions and the future". Mail & Guardian. 4 November 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  13. ^ "Imperial Engineer Spring 2023" (PDF). Imperial College London. 2023. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  14. ^ "STEMulator". SASPP. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  15. ^ "STEMulator: Your Partner to Foster STEM Literacy". Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. 13 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
  16. ^ "STEM education: Disruptions and the future". Mail & Guardian. 4 November 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  17. ^ Burger, Schalk (18 February 2022). "Free interactive virtual world introduces children to STEM world and careers". Engineering News. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
  18. ^ "Business called on to contribute to STEM education". EngineerIT. 9 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
  19. ^ "STEMulator – unblocking the pipeline of STEM practitioners". Crown Publications. 14 May 2021. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
  20. ^ "Quest Magazine Vol 20 No 4". Academy of Science of South Africa. 2024. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  21. ^ "STEMulator". SASPP. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  22. ^ "Imperial Engineer Autumn 2024" (PDF). Imperial College London. 2024. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  23. ^ Long, Kristin (14 June 2024). "STEMulator – a gift to the youth of the nation". RACA Journal. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
  24. ^ "Free online tool encourages children to explore, discover and learn about STEM fields". Engineering News. 17 February 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
  25. ^ "Free online tool encourages children to explore, discover and learn about STEM fields". Engineering News. 17 February 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
  26. ^ "CAETS Communication Prize 2023". South African Academy of Engineering. 2023. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  27. ^ "CAETS Communication Prize 2024 Winner Announcement" (PDF). International Council of Academies of Engineering and Technological Sciences. July 2024. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  28. ^ "CAETS Communication Prize 2024". South African Academy of Engineering. 1 February 2024. Retrieved 26 June 2025.
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