The Science Teacher Workshop: Hands-On Activities and Technology in STEM, organized
on 22 and 23 November 2024 at Janak Namuna Secondary School, Nawalpur, was a remarkable step toward transforming science education in Gandaki Province. Hosted by one of the finest public schools in the region, with outstanding infrastructure and visionary
leadership, this workshop brought together 30 high school science teachers from 24 schools across Tanahun and Nawalpur districts.
The workshop aimed to equip teachers with innovative tools and methodologies to enhance STEM education through practical, interactive, and accessible methods. This two-day event was a collaborative effort involving the Center for Environmental and Sustainable
Agricultural Research (CESAR), the Science Teachers’ Association of Nepal (STAN)
Gandaki Chapter, and the Gandaki Province Academy of Science and Technology (GPAST).
Session Highlights
1. Robotics in STEM Education
Mr. Dinesh Mani Bhandari, a researcher at CESAR, led an engaging session on robotics,
focusing on using line-following robots in classrooms. Teachers gained insights into how
robotics can be integrated into science lessons to inspire curiosity and interest in STEM fields like engineering and computer science.
2. Practical Classes and Worksheets
Mr. Raj Kumar Dhakal, a seasoned science teacher at Gandaki Boarding School, Pokhara,
and researcher at CESAR, conducted a session on incorporating worksheets in practical
classes. He demonstrated the development and use of worksheets to structure science
experiments effectively and showcased a few experiments to illustrate their application.
3. Science Writing for the Classroom
Dr. Prayan Pokharel, a researcher at CESAR and a specialist in natural sciences, facilitated an interactive session on science writing. Teachers practiced crafting lab reports, logbooks, and worksheets and discussed strategies to integrate writing skills into their classrooms. Dr.
Pokharel emphasized using micro-experiments with low-budget materials to spark students’ scientific curiosity and create inclusive learning opportunities.
The Impact
This workshop empowered teachers with hands-on experience, enabling them to bring
innovative teaching methods back to their classrooms. The focus on practical learning,
robotics, and science writing highlighted the need to bridge theoretical concepts with real-
world applications, ensuring students gain skills relevant to the modern world.
A Note of Gratitude
The workshop was hosted at Janak Namuna Secondary School, whose exceptional facilities
and strong leadership made the event seamless and productive. The school exemplifies how public institutions, when well-resourced and managed, can serve as hubs for educational innovation.
Moving Forward
CESAR remains committed to fostering STEM education by empowering educators and
inspiring students. This workshop is just one of many initiatives aimed at enhancing the
quality of teaching and preparing students for a future driven by science and technology.
Stay tuned for more updates on our efforts to advance science education across Nepal!