At STEM Lab, children don't spend lessons listening to long explanations. Instead, they learn by doing. Our methodology is based on the internationally recognised 5E Inquiry Learning Model, which encourages curiosity, problem-solving, critical thinking, and hands-on discovery. Every lesson follows the same engaging structure, helping children develop both STEM knowledge and essential future skills
Each lesson begins with an exciting real-world challenge. Through thought-provoking questions, brief discussions, and engaging visuals, children discover why today's topic is important and are encouraged to think like scientists and engineers.
Examples: How do electric cars move? Can plants help clean the air? Why don't bridges collapse?
Skills developed: Curiosity, Critical thinking, Observation, Questioning, Scientific & engineering thinking, Communication.
Children work in pairs to build a model by following age-appropriate digital instructions. Younger learners follow simple step-by-step building instructions displayed on the classroom screen. Older learners build independently using digital instructions on their individual tablets. Once their models are built, children bring them to life through coding.
Skills developed: Following instructions, Concentration, Attention to detail, Engineering design, Logical reasoning, Problem-solving, Teamwork, Fine motor skills.
The facilitator helps children understand how their model works and how code controls its movement, sensors, and behaviour. Using age-appropriate programming environments (icon-based coding for younger learners, block, and eventually Python for older students), children test, debug, and discover how software and hardware work together.
Skills developed: Computational thinking, Coding & programming, Logical reasoning, Algorithmic thinking, Debugging, Problem-solving, Digital literacy.
Once their models and programs are complete, children experiment with different solutions to improve performance and functionality. They modify designs, adjust their code, test new ideas, and observe how even small changes can affect the outcome. Children are encouraged to think like engineers by asking: How can we make it work better? What happens if we change this? Can we design a more efficient solution? This iterative process teaches that innovation comes through experimentation, testing, and continuous improvement. This is the time for playing, experimenting, and loads of fun!
Skills developed: Confidence, Creativity, Innovation, Computational thinking, Resilience, Problem-solving.
Every lesson concludes with children presenting their work to the rest of the class. Working in pairs, they demonstrate how their model works, explain the science and programming behind it, and answer questions from their classmates. When parents arrive, children proudly showcase their creations, sharing what they have built, programmed, and discovered during the lesson.
This not only celebrates their achievements but also reinforces their understanding through explanation and reflection.
Skills developed: Communication, Public speaking, Confidence, Teamwork, Active listening, and Reflection.
Every STEM Lab lesson is carefully designed to maximise learning, engagement, and individual attention
with individual support throughout the lesson
built and programmed in every class
from icon-based programming to Python
in a safe and supportive environment
at the end of each lesson