Promote passion for Stem
FOURWAYS – The creator of the website said he hopes to expose learners to the simplicity of mathematics, science and technology, especially those from disadvantaged communities.
As a way of giving back to the community, Fourways-based engineer, Richard Gunderson has created a website that helps learners easily understand which careers they would like to pursue after matric.
The interactive website, Stemulator, aims to develop curiosity in learners for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It provides an interactive portal with educational content which engages learners in a fun and creative way.
Gunderson, the brain behind the concept, said his aim through his website is to help introduce learners to the simplicity of mathematics, science and technology and trigger interest, especially for those from disadvantaged communities.
“Our aim is to expose learners to the world of engineering and science and countless careers that they can pursue. We work with different schools and institutions of higher learning across the country to help them,” he said.
“The University of the Witwatersrand is one of the institutions that we are currently working with to help learners make good decisions when choosing their career path. Stemulator.org can also help teachers and learners with visual experiments and gives eloquent explanations accompanied by clear visuals.”
Gunderson added that more than 250 schools across the country have benefited from free memory sticks loaded with content available on the website.
“Because of high costs of data and connectivity problems, especially in rural areas, we have decided to load memory sticks with the content that is in Stemulator.org to distribute at different schools, in rural and underprivileged communities.
“The digital age has compelled us to do things differently and if we don’t adapt, our children will remain behind. We need to give them necessary tools in order to equip them for a competitive job market.”
