The STEM Kits Are Already Transforming Science Lessons

Earlier this year, Develop Africa, in partnership with NEXGEN STEM, delivered 350 STEM kits to Smart Start Academy for Science and Technology in Yonni Town, Sierra Leone.

The donation marked a major milestone for STEM education in the community.

If you haven't read the original story about the donation, you can read it here: 

350 STEM Kits Transform Science Education at Smart Start Academy in Sierra Leone

Today, those kits are no longer sitting in boxes.

They are in students' hands.

From Donation to Demonstration

One of the first classroom demonstrations captured on video shows students learning about:

• Reflection
• Refraction
• Solar energy
• Heat energy
• Energy conversion

Instead of simply reading about these concepts in textbooks, students watched them happen through practical experiments using the STEM kits.

For many students, it was their first experience seeing science come alive.

"We Have Been Teaching Biology Abstractly"

Before the STEM kits arrived, science teachers had few resources for practical lessons.

Muhammad, the biology teacher at Smart Start Academy, explained:

"For many years, we have been teaching biology abstractly."

Now, the classroom experience is changing.

He shared his excitement after receiving the STEM kits.

"When we now teach the practical aspect of biology, we will make use of these materials in teaching our children."

His comments reinforce the impact highlighted in our earlier article.

The kits are already helping teachers move beyond theory into practical science education.

Students Explore Solar Energy Through Experimentation

One lesson featured students investigating how sunlight can be transformed into heat energy.

Using materials from the STEM kits, the teacher introduced concepts including:

• Solar radiation
• Reflection
• Refraction
• Heat absorption
• Energy conversion

Students compared white and black carbon materials to observe how different surfaces reflect and absorb solar energy.

Rather than memorizing scientific definitions, students could observe the concepts directly.

This type of experiential learning helps strengthen understanding and encourages curiosity.

Practical Learning Builds Better Scientists

Hands-on STEM education allows students to:

• ask questions
• test ideas
• make observations
• solve problems
• understand scientific principles through experience

These learning opportunities build confidence while preparing students for examinations and future careers in science and technology.

For schools that previously lacked laboratory resources, access to practical STEM materials can change how science is taught every day.

A Partnership Creating Lasting Impact

The partnership between Develop Africa and NEXGEN STEM continues to make a measurable difference.

The arrival of the STEM kits was only the beginning.

Now, classrooms are becoming places where students actively investigate scientific concepts rather than simply reading about them.

Every lesson demonstrates the value of investing in practical education.

Watch the Classroom Demonstration

Watch students learn about reflection, refraction, and solar energy using the STEM kits donated through the partnership between Develop Africa and NEXGEN STEM.

Thank You for Investing in STEM Education

Every donor who helped make this project possible is helping students gain access to opportunities that were previously unavailable.

These classroom demonstrations show that the STEM kits are already making a difference.

Together, we are helping equip the next generation of scientists, engineers, teachers, and innovators in Sierra Leone.