Chhote Kalam Science Project
A Hands-On STEM Education Project by Vidyoday
Project Overview
The Chhote Kalam Science Project is a transformative STEM education initiative by Vidyoday Muktangan Parivar Foundation (VMPF). Launched in 2022, the project addresses critical gaps in science and mathematics education across Zilla Parishad schools in Kolhapur, empowering students through hands-on, inquiry-based learning.
Named in honor of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s vision for scientific empowerment, this project nurtures young minds—particularly those from economically disadvantaged rural areas—with interactive STEM experiences that make learning practical, fun, and meaningful.
Why This Project?
Only 38.29% of students in Kolhapur’s government schools have a satisfactory understanding of science.”
— National Achievement Survey, 2017
This project addresses educational gaps, economic barriers, and lack of practical STEM resources in rural government schools.
Project Objectives
- Enhance STEM understanding through practical experiments
- Foster curiosity and inquiry-based learning among students
- Build a scalable, sustainable STEM education model
- Develop scientific temperament in rural students
- Empower teachers with hands-on teaching techniques
Key Activities
Hands-On Experiments
Low-cost, practical science activities for classrooms.
Learning Modules
Interactive STEM modules aligned with curriculum.
Teacher Training
Workshops to build educator capacity in activity-based teaching.
Student Workshops
STEM-focused extracurricular workshops for deeper engagement.
Who Benefits?
- Students
- Teachers
- School Administrators
- Local Communities
Outcomes & Impact
- Improved academic performance of STEM subjects
- Higher student participation and motivation in STEM
- Strengthened inquiry and critical thinking skills
- Empowered and better-equipped teachers
- Positive ripple effects in the local community
Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 4 (Quality Education)
SDG 8 (Decent Work)
SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality)
