STEAM Project about Global Warming
STEAM Project about Global Warming
The 2020-21 academic year saw a significant revamp of the STEAM project. Previously, students collaborated over the historical contributions of key scientific figures. While the projects were very meaningful and helped onboard students into Dulwich International High School Suzhou, this year, we acted on feedback and provided a more authentic context of problems for our students to present.
We are looking forward to seeing our business footprint metrics show a positive improvement and a clear reduction in our carbon footprint!
We interviewed two students, Felix T. and Mohan S. who did a great job on their STEAM projects, below are their answers:
Felix T.
What was your STEAM Presentation About?
Our STEAM presentation was about waste. The word “waste” exists as a noun and verb, meaning both “rubbish” and “misuse”. We looked at the amount of waste we are producing and the misuse happening in our everyday life. We also looked at the little things everyone can do to make a real difference to our world.
What made you decide to present a STEAM Project about this subject?
To me, we are extremely lucky. We might have difficulties in school, struggles in life, but at least we don’t need to worry about our survival at all. In fact, we are even luckier. We have delicious food, fashionable clothing, enough resources for good education and lots of chances and possibilities in our future. But many of us don’t appreciate it. We ignore it, misuse it; and what is worse is that we are creating so much waste! STEAM is a chance for people to see (starting with my friends and classmates) a chance for change, a chance to make a difference, a chance to do more!
What did you learn from completing your STEAM Presentation?
One of the most significant things was the shocking data and information. It really gave me a better overview of the harm every one of us is causing by creating waste. But apart from that, the experience was significant as well. I learned that a healthy group environment is so important. People working together, with full focus and passion, with a positive mindset and being kind to each other, really creates something meaningful and beautiful.
How did you find the experience of presenting?
I always find public speaking a bit like a drama performance, with nervousness before presenting, thinking too much and not relaxing. Then during the presentation, I get a sense of excitement and passion when sharing my ideas with others. Still nervous, but different. And then after the presentation, you have that “explosion” of pure happiness and joy. You think back on all your hard work, all your pressure and ups and downs during the process; before they might be negative, but after the presentation, it is all full of joy!
What did you find most memorable about your presentation?
To me, the whole experience was memorable, because all the moments were worth remembering.
There were negative moments during this journey: the pressure, the confusion, the moments when you do not know what to do. But do they matter now? They are experiences I can learn from, they are skills I need to develop, and they are beautiful memories to look back on. They seemed hard at the time, but now, I can always look back and find joy in them!
Mohan S.
What was your STEAM Presentation About?
My STEAM presentation is about electricity and how it relates to global warming.
What made you decide to present a STEAM Project about this subject?
When we were asked to choose a topic from the list, electricity was the first one I saw that was fully relatable to our school. I often see electricity being wasted. For example, one Monday morning, I walked into a classroom during the very first period and found it very cold inside. The Air Conditioning had been left on for an entire weekend! I really want to change the current situation at our school.
What did you learn from completing your STEAM Presentation?
I’ve learned how to deliver a proper presentation during my Life Skills and English classes. The teacher taught us about the emotions, the movements, and the proper language to use during the presentation. I’ve also learned about teamwork during class and the value of letting everyone contribute to the final presentation.
How did you find the experience of presenting?
This group project was a fun experience. It included a lot of research as well as practical. We conducted interviews with faculty members and students. We recorded them for our presentation as evidence to make our main idea more relatable, authentic and compelling.
What did you find most memorable about your presentation?
We counted the light bulbs in our school with my teammates after school to gather specific and reliable data. For me, this was the most memorable thing about the STEAM presentation.
