Advanced STEAM Curriculum for Basic Level Nepal

STEAM Curriculum (Basic Level - Nepal)

Academic Year Plan (Grades 1–8)

Pedagogical Approach

✔ Inquiry-Based Learning (Questioning, Exploration) ✔ Project-Based Learning (PBL) (Real-world problem-solving) ✔ Experiential Learning (Hands-on activities, field trips) ✔ Collaborative Learning (Group projects, peer feedback)

Grade-wise Breakdown

Grades 1–3 (Exploratory Phase)

Objective: Introduce STEAM through play, observation, and simple experiments.

Term 1 (First 4 Months)

Subject	Topic	Activity
Science	Water Cycle	Create a mini water cycle model using a plastic bag, water, and sunlight.
Tech	Introduction to Computers	Basic typing and drawing using MS Paint/Tux Paint.
Engineering	Simple Structures	Building bridges with popsicle sticks and testing strength.
Arts	Nature Art	Leaf printing, rock painting using natural dyes.
Math	Shapes & Patterns	Identifying shapes in nature and creating mandala art.

Term 2 (Next 4 Months)

Subject	Topic	Activity
Science	Plant Growth	Grow beans in a jar and track daily changes.
Tech	Introduction to Coding	Simple commands in Scratch Jr. (Make a cat move).
Engineering	Marble Run	Design a marble track using cardboard and tubes.
Arts	Shadow Puppets	Create puppets and explore light & shadows.
Math	Measurement Fun	Measure classroom objects using hands, sticks, and rulers.

Term 3 (Last 4 Months)

Subject	Topic	Activity
Science	Sink or Float Experiment	Test different materials in water (clay, wood, metal).
Tech	Digital Storytelling	Create a picture story using Canva/PPT.
Engineering	Paper Airplanes	Test different designs to see which flies farthest.
Arts	Recycled Art	Make sculptures from plastic bottles and waste.
Math	Number Games	Hopscotch math (addition/subtraction).

Grades 4–6 (Application Phase)

Objective: Apply STEAM concepts to real-world problems.

Term 1 (First 4 Months)

Subject	Topic	Activity
Science	Solar System Model	Create a scale model using clay and LEDs.
Tech	Scratch Programming	Design an interactive quiz game.
Engineering	Earthquake-Resistant Houses	Build and test structures with straws and rubber bands.
Arts	Stop-Motion Animation	Make a short film using clay and a phone camera.
Math	Budgeting Project	Plan a mock "school fair" with costs and profits.

Term 2 (Next 4 Months)

Subject	Topic	Activity
Science	Waste Management	Composting experiment with food scraps.
Tech	Basic Robotics	Build a simple robot using a DIY kit or cardboard.
Engineering	Water Filtration	Design a filter using sand, gravel, and charcoal.
Arts	Digital Art & Design	Create posters on environmental awareness using Canva.
Math	Geometry in Architecture	Measure angles in local buildings.

Term 3 (Last 4 Months)

Subject	Topic	Activity
Science	Renewable Energy	Build a mini wind turbine or solar oven.
Tech	Website Design (Basic HTML)	Create a simple webpage about Nepal’s culture.
Engineering	Hydraulic Lift	Make a syringe-based hydraulic lift.
Arts	Music & Sound Science	Create instruments from recycled materials.
Math	Data Collection & Graphs	Survey favorite foods in class and plot a bar graph.

Grades 7–8 (Innovation Phase)

Objective: Solve real-world challenges with advanced projects.

Term 1 (First 4 Months)

Subject	Topic	Activity
Science	Food Science (Fermentation)	Make yogurt or pickles and study microbes.
Tech	Python Basics	Write a simple calculator program.
Engineering	Arduino Projects	Build an LED traffic light system.
Arts	3D Modeling (Tinkercad)	Design a Nepali cultural artifact.
Math	Algebra in Real Life	Calculate loan interest for a small business idea.

Term 2 (Next 4 Months)

Subject	Topic	Activity
Science	Climate Change & Carbon Footprint	Calculate personal carbon footprint and propose solutions.
Tech	App Prototyping (MIT App Inventor)	Design a "Nepal Tourism" app.
Engineering	Solar-Powered Car	Construct a small solar car model.
Arts	Documentary Filmmaking	Produce a short film on a local environmental issue.
Math	Statistics in Society	Analyze traffic data near the school and suggest improvements.

Term 3 (Last 4 Months)

Subject	Topic	Activity
Science	Biotechnology (DNA Extraction)	Extract DNA from strawberries.
Tech	AI & Chatbots (Basic)	Train a simple chatbot using Google’s Teachable Machine.
Engineering	Smart Irrigation System	Build a moisture-sensing plant watering device.
Arts	Augmented Reality Art	Create AR-enhanced posters using apps like Artivive.
Math	Cryptography (Secret Codes)	Learn Caesar cipher and encode messages.

Assessment & Evaluation

✅ Project Portfolios (Digital/Physical) ✅ Class Presentations & Exhibitions ✅ Peer & Self-Assessment Rubrics ✅ Competency-Based Grading (Creativity, Problem-Solving, Collaboration)

Resources Needed

🛠️ Low-cost materials (Cardboard, clay, recycled items) 💻 Digital tools (Scratch, Tinkercad, Python, Arduino) 🌍 Community partnerships (Local engineers, artists, scientists)

Conclusion

This year-long STEAM curriculum ensures active learning, cultural relevance, and real-world application while aligning with Nepal’s national framework. Would you like modifications for specific subjects or resource constraints?  

Advanced STEAM Curriculum for Grades 6, 7 & 8 (Nepal)

Approach: Project-Based Learning (PBL), Critical Thinking, Real-World Problem Solving Duration: Full Academic Year (3 Terms, 12 Months)

Grade 6: Theme – "Sustainable Technology & Environmental Science"

Term 1: Energy & Climate Solutions

1. Science

• Topic: Renewable Energy & Climate Change
• Activities:
  • Solar-Powered Water Heater: Build a model using copper tubes, black paint, and glass.
  • Wind Turbine Efficiency Test: Experiment with blade designs (cardboard vs. plastic).
  • Carbon Footprint Analysis: Calculate emissions from daily activities (transport, food).

2. Technology

• Topic: Basic Robotics & Automation
• Activities:
  • Lego Mindstorms/EV3: Program a robot to sort recyclables (plastic vs. paper).
  • Smart Irrigation System: Use soil moisture sensors (Arduino or DIY circuits).

3. Engineering

• Topic: Green Architecture
• Activities:
  • Eco-Friendly House Model: Use bamboo, recycled bottles, and passive cooling techniques.
  • Earthquake-Resistant Structure Challenge: Test designs on a shake table.

4. Arts

• Topic: Environmental Activism through Art
• Activities:
  • Upcycled Fashion Show: Create outfits from plastic waste.
  • Stop-Motion Documentary: Film a short about Nepal’s melting glaciers.

5. Mathematics

• Topic: Data Analysis & Statistics
• Activities:
  • Climate Data Graphs: Plot temperature trends in Nepal (last 20 years).
  • Energy Cost Calculator: Compare solar vs. grid electricity expenses.

Cross-Cutting Project:

• "Smart Green Village" (Teams design a self-sustaining village with renewable energy, waste management, and eco-housing.)

Term 2: Digital Innovation & Problem-Solving

1. Science

• Topic: Food Science & Biotechnology
• Activities:
  • Fermentation Lab: Make gundruk or yogurt, study microbial growth.
  • DNA Extraction: Extract DNA from strawberries using salt, soap, and alcohol.

2. Technology

• Topic: Coding & App Development
• Activities:
  • Scratch Game: Design a quiz on Nepal’s biodiversity.
  • MIT App Inventor: Build a "Waste Management Guide" app.

3. Engineering

• Topic: Water & Sanitation
• Activities:
  • Bio-Sand Filter Construction: Test filtration rates with sand, gravel, and charcoal.
  • Hydraulic Lift Model: Build with syringes and tubes.

4. Arts

• Topic: Digital Media & Animation
• Activities:
  • 3D Modeling (Tinkercad): Design a Nepali cultural artifact.
  • Augmented Reality Posters: Use Artivive to create interactive art.

5. Mathematics

• Topic: Geometry & Algebra
• Activities:
  • Bridge Truss Calculations: Measure forces in a popsicle-stick bridge.
  • Cryptography Challenge: Encode/decode messages using Caesar cipher.

Cross-Cutting Project:

• "Nepal’s Tech Expo" (Showcase inventions like water filters, apps, and solar models.)

Grade 7: Theme – "Advanced Engineering & Computational Thinking"

Term 1: Robotics & Automation

1. Science

• Topic: Physics of Motion
• Activities:
  • Mousetrap Car Race: Build and optimize for distance/speed.
  • Newton’s Laws Demo: Egg-drop challenge with parachutes.

2. Technology

• Topic: Python Programming
• Activities:
  • Text-Based Adventure Game: Code a Himalayan trek simulation.
  • Data Visualization: Plot earthquake frequency in Nepal.

3. Engineering

• Topic: Mechanical Systems
• Activities:
  • Hydraulic Robotic Arm: Build with syringes and cardboard.
  • Pneumatic Machine: Create a balloon-powered lift.

4. Arts

• Topic: Kinetic Art
• Activities:
  • Moving Sculptures: Use gears and motors to create art.
  • Sound Wave Art: Paint patterns using speaker vibrations.

5. Mathematics

• Topic: Algebra & Trigonometry
• Activities:
  • Treasure Hunt with Coordinates: Solve GPS-style math puzzles.
  • Architecture Angles: Measure roof slopes of Nepali temples.

Cross-Cutting Project:

• "Automated Nepali Farm" (Design a robot to plant seeds or irrigate fields.)

Term 2: Space & Aerospace

1. Science

• Topic: Astronomy & Rocket Science
• Activities:
  • Water Bottle Rockets: Test launch angles and parachute designs.
  • Solar System Scale Model: Calculate planetary distances.

2. Technology

• Topic: AI & Machine Learning
• Activities:
  • Chatbot Training: Use Google’s Teachable Machine for a tourism bot.
  • Satellite Image Analysis: Study deforestation via Google Earth.

3. Engineering

• Topic: Aerospace Engineering
• Activities:
  • Paper Helicopters: Optimize blade design for longest flight.
  • Mars Rover Prototype: Build a obstacle-avoiding robot.

4. Arts

• Topic: Sci-Fi Storyboarding
• Activities:
  • Comic Strip: "Life on Mars in 2050."
  • Space-Themed Music: Compose using digital tools (Audacity).

5. Mathematics

• Topic: Probability & Statistics
• Activities:
  • Rocket Launch Success Rates: Analyze simulated data.
  • Cryptography: Break simple substitution codes.

Cross-Cutting Project:

• "Nepal Space Mission" (Design a satellite payload for weather monitoring.)

Grade 8: Theme – "Future Technologies & Global Challenges"

Term 1: AI, IoT & Smart Cities

1. Science

• Topic: Nanotechnology & Materials
• Activities:
  • DIY Superhydrophobic Coating: Test water-repellent surfaces.
  • Bioplastic Experiment: Make plastic from milk or starch.

2. Technology

• Topic: Internet of Things (IoT)
• Activities:
  • Smart Home Model: Use Arduino to automate lights/fans.
  • Weather Station: Build with sensors for temp/humidity.

3. Engineering

• Topic: Urban Planning
• Activities:
  • 3D-Printed City Model: Design a flood-resistant Kathmandu.
  • Traffic Flow Simulation: Use Scratch or Python.

4. Arts

• Topic: Digital Fabrication
• Activities:
  • Laser-Cut Art: Design mandalas or toranas.
  • Virtual Reality Tour: Create a VR heritage site (CoSpaces).

5. Mathematics

• Topic: Advanced Algebra
• Activities:
  • Cryptocurrency Math: Simulate blockchain transactions.
  • Optimization Problems: Minimize traffic congestion mathematically.

Cross-Cutting Project:

• "Smart City Prototype" (Integrate IoT, renewable energy, and waste systems.)

Assessment & Evaluation

• Portfolio Submissions (Digital or physical).
• Peer-Reviewed Presentations (Shark Tank-style pitches).
• Competency Rubrics (Innovation, Collaboration, Accuracy).

Resources

• Low-Cost: Arduino kits, recycled materials, Raspberry Pi (if available).
• Digital Tools: Python, Tinkercad, Google Earth, CoSpaces.

Teacher Notes:

1. Scaffold Complexity: Start with guided projects, then open-ended challenges.
2. Local Adaptation: Replace high-tech tools with analog alternatives (e.g., manual data logging if no sensors).
3. Career Links: Invite engineers, coders, or environmentalists as guest speakers.

  Here's a detailed, adaptable STEAM curriculum for Grades 6-8 with additional support for rural schools and sample lesson plans:

Grade 6: Enhanced Curriculum with Rural Adaptations

Term 1 Lesson Plan: Solar Energy Project

Objective: Understand renewable energy through hands-on solar experiments Day 1-3:

• Urban/Rural Option:
  • Urban: Use store-bought solar panels (6V) to power small motors
  • Rural: Make solar cookers from cardboard/aluminum foil (demonstrate melting wax) Assessment: Compare heating efficiency between urban/rural solutions

Low-Resource Alternative:

• Study passive solar heating by testing black vs. white containers in sunlight
• Build sundials to track solar movement (math integration)

Term 2: Water Filtration Unit

Rural Adaptation:

• Use local materials:
  • 1st layer: Large stones (from riverbeds)
  • 2nd layer: Charcoal (from kitchen fires)
  • 3rd layer: Sand (sterilized by sunlight) Field Connection: Test filtration of nearby water sources

Grade 7: Robotics & AI with Minimal Tech

Term 1 Lesson: Simple Machines → Rube Goldberg Project

Low-Tech Engineering:

• Create chain reaction machines using:
  • Bamboo ramps (levers)
  • Water wheels (turbines)
  • Rice sack pulleys Assessment: Minimum 5 energy transfers to complete task (e.g., ring bell)

Term 2: AI Basics Without Computers

Analog AI Activities:

1. Pattern Recognition:
   • Sort local leaves by shape/edges (like image classification)
2. Decision Trees:
   • Create "if-then" rules for farming decisions (e.g., "IF rain < 2cm THEN irrigate")

Grade 8: Climate Solutions Curriculum

Term 1 Project: Flood-Resistant Housing

Localized Case Study:

• Research Nepal's flood patterns
• Design models using:
  • Urban: 3D-printed stilts (if available)
  • Rural: Bamboo-raised platforms with used tire foundations Math Integration: Calculate buoyancy needed for 50kg roof

Term 2: Citizen Science Initiative

Rural Implementation:

• Air Quality Study:
  • Make particulate sensors: Tape on white paper, count spots under microscope/magnifying glass
  • Compare near roads vs. fields
• Data Submission: Partner with universities via simple SMS reporting

Sample Assessment Rubric (All Grades)

Criteria	Advanced (4)	Proficient (3)	Developing (2)	Needs Work (1)
Creativity	Uses 5+ unconventional materials	3-4 creative elements	Basic solutions	Minimal originality
Accuracy	<5% error margin	<10% errors	Needs 1-2 corrections	Major miscalculations
Teamwork	Delegates roles effectively	Cooperates fully	Needs prompting	Limited participation

Special Rural School Supports

1. Mobile STEAM Kits:
   • Contents: Magnifying glasses, measuring tapes, basic circuits (batteries+wires)
   • Rotation schedule between schools
2. Local Expert Partnerships:
   • Train teachers in using farming tools for physics lessons (plows as levers)
   • Incorporate indigenous knowledge (e.g., traditional earthquake-resistant designs)
3. Low-Tech Substitutions:
   • Instead of 3D printers: Paper engineering (geodesic domes)
   • Instead of coding: Physical "programming" with arrow cards directing classmates

Teacher Training Module

Workshop 1:

• Converting Farm Tools to Teaching Aids
  • Use plow blades to demonstrate inclined planes
  • Measure bullock cart wheel ratios

Workshop 2:

• Making Science Journals from Local Materials
  • Banana paper making → Lab notebooks