For years, traditional academic-based learning was the standard in STEM education. It’s now becoming increasingly evident that hands-on learning opportunities in STEM are key. The IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Project-Based Learning Camp was founded from the idea that a project-based approach to learning engineering concepts is optimal. In 2022, the 3rd edition of this event took place in the Hyderabad, India section (R10).
It was a hybrid event, including both online and in-person sessions. The theme for the 2022 event was “Sustainable Technology for Humanity.” It was organized by the local IEEE Women In Engineering affinity group in conjunction with other local organizations including IEEE YESIST 12-2022. The objectives of the camp included providing a project-based learning approach to engineering and fostering an environment featuring cutting-edge technologies. The camp ran for a week in June of 2022. Over 200 students from various countries participated, along with 20 teachers and 15 parents. Additionally, 30 volunteers from all over Region 10 assisted with the event. Camp mentors included individuals from India, Singapore, Oman, US and Thailand.
Camp events included an inauguration ceremony, session talks, hands-on sessions, two rounds of presentations, and a closing ceremony. A notable speaking event in conjunction with the theme was “Cool the Globe: An Innovative Approach Towards Sustainable Technology.” Another session, “Hello Problem Solvers,” was an interactive and analytical thinking session led by the co-founder of Infinite Engineers. Additional sessions included hands-on projects with Arduino, discussions with local groups such as Youth for Sustainability, and time to prepare final presentations. The event included both an in-person and online session for presenting final Tinker-CAD projects. Judges scored students on the content of their presentations, their articulation from the development phase allotted, and the ability to go above and beyond for their project.
After attending the camp sessions, most of the students were motivated to join the IEEE. After the third successful event, program leaders were eager to run this camp again the following year.
IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Project-Based Learning Camp was a recipient of the 2022 IEEE Pre-University STEM Grant Program.
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