Competition for Teachers

Taking inspiration from the Iron Science Teacher competition organised by the Exploratorium in San Francisco since 1998, Science Centre Singapore first organised the Iron Science Teacher competition in Singapore from 2005 to 2008. 

In 2023, the competition makes a return with a twist! Re-named as the Fe STEM Teacher Challenge, the challenge aims to provide a platform for educators (regardless of teaching subject and specialisation) to celebrate and showcase innovation and creativity in STEM education in Singapore. 

There are two rounds in this competition: (a) Qualifying round; and (b) Finals.

1. All in-service teachers from:

• MOE schools (Government, Government-aided, Autonomous);
• MOE HQ / Seconded MOE Officers;
• Independent Schools;
• Specialised Schools and
• International Schools.

2. Pre-service teachers (National Institute of Education)

3. Members of Young Educators in Science progarmme (National University of Singapore)

Registration is open from 3 May to 2 June 2023. Sign up using this link! 
Submit your entries for the Qualifying Round via this link no later than 14 July.

Participation can be as an individual or a team of two. 
Submit the link to a video (hosted on Google Drive, Youtube etc.) that shows you conducting a classroom activity / demonstration involving principles(s) or concepts(s) in STEM using materials that can be easily found in daily life. The video should be of good resolution, no more than 5 minutes in duration and clearly illustrate the following: 

• presence of the educator in the video (presence of an audience is optional);
• the age group / level of your target audience (e.g. lower primary, upper secondary);
• explanation of the principle(s) or concept(s) in STEM in ENGLISH; and
• the materials used / involved in the classroom activity / demonstration.

Finalists shortlisted from the Qualifying Round will be challenged to devise a classroom activity or demonstration using a particular “secret” ingredient. The secret ingredient will be revealed to you one day before the competition. It will be an item that is easily available (e.g. plastic bag, milk carton, balloon etc.). A maximum duration of 10 mins will be given for finalists to carry out their classroom activity or demonstration in front of a live audience at the Science Centre Singapore.

Entries will be evaluated based on the following:

• Accuracy of content
• Age-appropriateness
• Clarity and coherence
• Creativity and showmanship
• Real-world context and/or application 
• Relevance to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

• An online briefing and clarification session will be conducted for all interested participants. The session will be recorded and shared on our website.
• Two complimentary PD activities (refer to https://www.science.edu.sg/for-schools/teacher-professional-development/thursdays-with-stem for synopses)
• Workshop on Use of Science Demonstrations for Teaching and Enrichment by Dr R. Subramaniam (optional: register by 11 May)
• Learning Journey and hands-on activities at NUS Science Demonstration Lab (optional: register by 18 May)
• Sharing of relevant learning opportunities and online resources with participants.

  *Vouchers: SCB’s attractions (e.g. Escape Room, Omni-Theatre, Snow City etc.)

 

 

* Register via https://for.edu.sg/twsregi23.

Synopses can be found at https://www.science.edu.sg/for-schools/teacher-professional-development/thursdays-with-stem