Report: 1st Zoya Science School STEAM Workshop
May 26-27, 2025
Zoya Science School Morikhwala
Purpose of the Workshop was twofold. One, to develop logic and deductive skills, demystify numbers, reinforce numeracy skills and make math enjoyable in a non-traditional game-based context, and; Two, to hone engineering skills with hands-on real-life models. Thirty-two girls of classes 8 & 9 participated. The Workshop was conducted by S Khawaja
In the First session Sudoku-logic puzzle adventure the girls solved FIVE puzzles, developed logical and deductive thinking by recognizing patterns within the Sudoku grid, and numerical sequences; and by eliminating possibilities to determine the correct number placements[1].
The Second session, Binary and beyond: tracing the roots of modern numbers is based on the Zoya Schools poster The Story of Numbers (see Annex). The girls engaged FOUR number systems, Roman, decimal, Babylonian and binary, to see the diversity in numerical representation, understand Place Value, and think flexibly about binary numbers, which make up the fundamental language of computers. They learnt to convert between number systems, and how on/off states representing 0s and 1s (the two binary digits) represent numbers (and complex data).
In the Third session Engineering: Building bridges and beyond the girls made THREE engineering models ARCHIMEDES SPIRAL WATER LIFTER, HAND WATER PUMPS (the kind Zoya schools have installed so far, in 336 government schools and in 113 homes of orphans benefitting 59,048 children), and BRIDGES, and played with math puzzles.
[1] Sudoku is a logic-based number-placement puzzle. It requires filling a grid with numbers based on specific logical constraints
PROGRAM: Math and Engineering Workshop
by Sarmad Khawaja
PART 1. Math I: Sudoku-logic puzzle adventure (40 minutes)
Sudoku is a logic-based number-placement puzzle. It requires filling a grid with numbers based on specific logical constraints
Children solve FIVE puzzles (of increasing complexity) to develop logic & deductive thinking by recognizing patterns within the Sudoku grid, and numerical sequences; by eliminating possibilities to determine the correct number placements; Reinforce numeracy skills, demystify numbers, make math more approachable and enjoyable by engaging with numbers in a non-traditional game-based context.
PART 2. Math II: Binary and beyond: tracing the roots of modern numbers (1 hour)
Children engage FOUR number systems (Roman, decimal, Babylonian, and binary) to see the diversity in numerical representation, understand Place Value, and think flexibly about binary numbers, which make up the fundamental language of computers. Learn to convert between number systems, and how on/off states representing 0s and 1s (the two binary digits) represent numbers (and complex data).
PART 3. Engineering: Building bridges and beyond (2 hours)
Children build THREE engineering models: ARCHIMEDES SPIRAL WATER LIFTER, HAND WATER PUMPS (the kind Zoya schools have given, so far, to 336 government schools and installed in 113 homes of orphans benefiting 59,048 children), and BRIDGES.
PART 4 (after lunch and rest). Imagination station: puzzles, play (2 hours)
Children engage with wooden logic puzzles, unleash their creativity with constructions.