The Faculty of Science and Technology (The UWI Mona) through Dr. Marvadeen Singh-Wilmot (Associate Dean for Student Experience) partnered with the University of Texas (UT Austin - Dr. Melissa Kemp and Dr. Rowan Martindale), the Ministry of Education and Youth (MOEY) and the Negril Education Environment Trust (NEET) to host NEET STEM CAMP from July 11-16, 2022. The Camp targeted educators at the primary level in Negril, Jamaica with the overarching goal to promote hands-on learning in STEM through teacher training. The organizers hoped, through equipping teachers, they will assist students with fostering a love for science and innovation. The camp covered the following areas: Coral Reefs (Introduction, use and importance, consequences of overfishing), Beach clean-up and introduction to a sampling method (line transect); Foldscopes (the use of microscopes in medicine and sciences; Bootblack (Non-Newtonian fluid); Density, surface tension and buoyancy (Tin foil boats); Respiratory system; How to make hand sanitizers; Paleontology; Glass bottom boat ride to observe the coral reefs. The teachers received 5E lesson plans of all the lessons taught at the camp. The camp also included a coastal clean-up of the Negril 7 Miles beach.

During the Camp, Drs. Sharon Bramwell-Lalor, Therese Ferguson and Mr. Miguel Ison, Lecturers from The UWI Mona School of Education (SOE) conducted a blended workshop on "Climate Change for Primary Schools: Enhancing Teachers’ Preparedness to Deliver”. The participants were engaged in activities geared primarily to introduce them to the Climate Change textbook, teacher's manual and animated videos created by the SOE team in collaboration with the Climate Studies Group Mona.  Ms. Lacie-Ann Smith (FST finalizing student) also participated as camp facilitator. Lacie-Ann also worked with Dr. Kemp and Dr. Martindale, and a team of graduate and undergraduate volunteers from University of Texas to deliver the camp. In describing her experience, she noted that “As a camp facilitator I was able to create opportunities for students to engage with their teachers on the lessons being taught. Gained first-hand experience of the teaching learning process and what it took to successfully execute an engaging lesson. I was also able to use knowledge gained from my degree program to break down complex information for students to better understand. In conclusion the STEM camp achieved its main goal as it made STEM fun for both students and teachers”.

Follow the Faculty of Science and Technology on Instagram @uwimona_fst and on Facebook at @ The Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI Mona. For enquiries, WhatsApp us at 1-876 552-4691, call us at 1-876-977-1785 or email us at fst@uwimona.edu.jm.