STEM BUILDERS LEARNING HUB

Mission

Our mission is to become a global centre of excellence for the development of 21st-century problem solvers by offering students unique science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) educational opportunities that will prepare them for bright futures.

Vision

The organization's vision is to unlock the full potential of ALL students in Jamaica and the Caribbean regardless of where they go to school, gender or socioeconomic background by making high-quality STEM education and resources accessible and affordable for all.

STEM Builders Learning Hub has four (4) core values:

Excellent communication, collaboration, inclusion, thinking critically, and being creative are the values that guide everything that we do as an organisation.

Communication:

We work hard to create a safe, supportive, and engaging culture that encourages insightful knowledge sharing.

Collaboration:

We strive to create an engaging and creative environment that encourages sharing ideas, teamwork, and inclusion.

 Critical Thinking:

In a world where people are constantly growing and evolving, we have to be ready for change. We always try new things to stay innovative, even if they don't work out right away!

Kavelle Hylton is a STEM Educator, project manager and author of the “Likkle Einsteins: STEM series.”

A professionally trained Science teacher, Kavelle has spent the last decade teaching, training and developing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programmes and educational resources for students across the region.

As the founder and CEO of STEM Builders Learning Hub Limited, she works closely with students, teachers and other educational stakeholders to improve access to quality STEM education in the Caribbean.

Her primary role in the organization is to manage the day-to-day operations of the business, hire staff, and develop educational programs. Kavelle is also integral in the fundraising efforts of the organization and along with her team and advisors, she is responsible for writing grant funding proposals. 

Our Team Leader Kavelle Hylton is a project manager and she is currently working in the organization full-time. She is currently working on the project which is in the pilot stages and has already dedicated over 6 hours to the program each week. 

The Likkle Einsteins Club (LEC), helps early childhood and primary-level schools (students 2-12) access quality STEM content and resources. 

STEM education in Jamaica is key to her development. To achieve this we need good infrastructure, technological improvements and equitable access to quality math and science education. To have a skilled workforce able to think critically and able to understand mathematics and science we must engage our students in project-based learning and encourage them to pursue STEM-related careers. However, the cost of setting up STEM schools and STEM classrooms is quite expensive. The Jamaican Government has spent over $384 million to boost stem in schools and set up six (6 )STEM Schools. However, this is inadequate since approximately 1400 schools are in operation in Jamaica.

Quality early STEM experiences provide a critical foundation for learning about the STEM disciplines in ways that facilitate later learning and development of skills that are called for by the National Standards Curriculum and High stakes exams.

Research says that

• ALL Young Children Have the capacity to Learn and Do STEM

• Teaching STEM at the Early childhood level can bring the STEM disciplines into greater balance with literacy

• Early childhood educators can help to reduce early inequities in access and opportunity to learn STEM

• Integrating STEM at the early Childhood education level can help students develop skills and understandings that they can build on as they progress through school and into the workforce.

Our current early childhood and primary schools struggle with: 

• Availability, accessibility, and affordability of resources
• Underqualified workforce challenges
• Class size ratio
• Children with challenging behaviours and special needs
• Integrating technology and Engineering into the Curriculum

The Likkle Einstein's programme aims to integrate STEM/STEAM into the Early Childhood and Primary Curriculum through hands-on science and technology activities that can be accessed after school and on weekends. 

The programme aims to inspire children ages 2-12 to value science and technology in their daily lives while teaching them critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, literacy, numeracy, and psychomotor skills in a fun-filled educational environment that both children and teachers enjoy.

In addition, LEC brings an extra dimension to STEM education by extending opportunities to teachers to help them with their curriculum and provide them with professional development opportunities that bring long-lasting results.

The program is currently being piloted at the Alpha Primary schools. Ten students (7 girls and 3 boys) are currently participating in the program. Alpha Primary School was chosen because it serves students primarily from low-income backgrounds and has a population with learning variability. 

Project goals: 

• Expose children to a variety of STEM careers and STEM professionals.
• Improve science literacy/STEM literacy
• Provide schools with access to high-quality STEM content and resources to integrate STEM/STREAM in their classrooms.

Our lessons include but are not limited to: 

Life Science Programs

• The Five Senses
• The Human Body
• tEETH
• SKELETONS
• Germs

Physical Science Programs

• The Science of Color
• Chemical Reactions
• The Science of Sound
• The Science of Soap

Technology Programs

• Coding
• Robotics
• Parts of the computer
• Virtual reality

ENVIRONMENTAL Science Programs

• Clouds and Weather
• HABITATS
• Crystallization

• Plant Life

• Spider Webs
• Bees and Pollination
• Animal Defenses

• Ocean Life
• Volcanoes

Social Science Programs

• Tainos in Jamaica
• The Maroons

Foundational research which includes literature reviews, and testimonials from parents. 

The research collected so far has been more anecdotal. 

Moving forward, a holistic approach that incorporates both anecdotal evidence and rigorous research methods will provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by teachers and schools and inform potential solutions.

Some steps that will be taken:

1. Conduct research studies: Conduct systematic research studies that encompass a diverse range of schools. This could involve surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather quantitative and qualitative data.
2. Analyze anecdotal evidence: Analyze anecdotal evidence, such as testimonials and personal accounts, to identify common themes, patterns, and specific areas of concern or success.
3. Validate findings: Validate the findings obtained from anecdotal evidence by comparing them with data collected through research studies. This helps in ensuring the reliability and generalizability of the insights.
4. Develop evidence-based solutions: Utilize the combined knowledge from research studies and anecdotal evidence to develop evidence-based solutions. These solutions will consider the diverse needs and experiences of the students, addressing the specific challenges they face.
5. Continual feedback and improvement: Establish channels for ongoing feedback from parents to refine and improve the solutions. This could involve gathering testimonials and monitoring the effectiveness of implemented strategies.

By participating in the LEAP challenge it becomes possible to develop more comprehensive solutions that address the concerns and needs of schools effectively. It is the right time to do it since the programme is in the pilot stage. The rigorous research approach by LEAP will ensure that balanced and informed research is conducted contributing to meaningful progress in supporting schools at the early childhood and primary levels. 

1. What is the student's perception of the program on their learning?

2. What was the effect of the program on student achievement in math and science?

3. What perceptions do teachers hold about the program?

A clear research plan that allows us to Conduct systematic research studies that encompass a diverse range of schools. This could involve surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather quantitative and qualitative data. A method to analyze anecdotal evidence, such as testimonials and personal accounts, to identify common themes, patterns, and specific areas of concern or success. How to Validate the findings obtained from anecdotal evidence by comparing them with data collected through research studies. This helps in ensuring the reliability and generalizability of the insights.

Finally how to Establish channels for ongoing feedback from parents to refine and improve the solutions. This could involve gathering testimonials and monitoring the effectiveness of implemented strategies.

Outputs will be used to strengthen the programme and improve the solution. 

The combination of the research approaches ensures a balanced and informed perspective, contributing to meaningful progress in supporting schools.