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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 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for students.[1] The platform offers curriculum-aligned content to facilitate learning in STEM subjects.[2]
History
[edit]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] 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.[5] In 2022, offline USB distributions were provided to 150 rural schools to improve access in areas with limited internet connectivity.[6] A virtual school feature was introduced on 16 June 2024, coinciding with National Youth Day.[7]
Features
[edit]The STEMulator provides a gamified interface with content aligned to the South African school curriculum, covering topics such as engineering processes and technological developments.[8] 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.[9] 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.[10] In June 2024, modules on science and biology were added, with plans to include mathematics.[11] 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.[12] The platform is accessible online and through offline USB distributions.[13]
Development and Partnerships
[edit]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.[14][15] Partnerships with regional organizations have been formed to enhance accessibility, though specific partners are not publicly disclosed.[16] 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.[17]
Reception
[edit]The STEMulator has been described in South African publications, including Engineering News and RACA Journal, as a tool for supporting STEM education.[18][19] Educators and industry professionals have noted its role in supplementing classroom resources.[20]
References
[edit]- ^ "Free online tool encourages children to explore, discover and learn about STEM fields". Engineering News. 17 February 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "STEMulator: Your Partner to Foster STEM Literacy". Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. 13 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "Call for Contributions: STEMulator e-learning". SACNASP. November 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "Business called on to contribute to STEM education". EngineerIT. 9 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "STEM education: Disruptions and the future". Mail & Guardian. 4 November 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ Burger, Schalk (18 February 2022). "Free interactive virtual world introduces children to STEM world and careers". Engineering News. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ Long, Kristin (14 June 2024). "STEMulator – a gift to the youth of the nation". RACA Journal. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "Explore STEM with STEMulator: A gift to the nation's youth". Engineering News. 18 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "STEM education: Disruptions and the future". Mail & Guardian. 4 November 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ "STEMulator". SASPP. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ "STEMulator: Your Partner to Foster STEM Literacy". Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. 13 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "STEM education: Disruptions and the future". Mail & Guardian. 4 November 2022. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ Burger, Schalk (18 February 2022). "Free interactive virtual world introduces children to STEM world and careers". Engineering News. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "Business called on to contribute to STEM education". EngineerIT. 9 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "STEMulator – unblocking the pipeline of STEM practitioners". Crown Publications. 14 May 2021. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "Business called on to contribute to STEM education". EngineerIT. 9 June 2024. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "STEMulator". SASPP. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ^ Long, Kristin (14 June 2024). "STEMulator – a gift to the youth of the nation". RACA Journal. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "Free online tool encourages children to explore, discover and learn about STEM fields". Engineering News. 17 February 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ "Free online tool encourages children to explore, discover and learn about STEM fields". Engineering News. 17 February 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2025.