Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators: IEEE STEM Workshop

The IEEE STEM Program Workshop on “Micro:bit and Radio Communication using Arduino” was a highly informative and engaging event led by Prof Yeshudas Muttu- Asst. Professor- Don Bosco College of Engineering and the dynamic IEEE STEM team as a part of the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Campaign sponsored by IEEE Bombay section for the students of Std. IX. The workshop was designed to introduce students to the fascinating world of Micro:bit technology and Arduino-based radio communication and was held at two different schools; Government High School Balli and Sancordem Education Society’s School, Sancordem.

Team A, comprising of Ms. Shreya Joshi, Mr. Navin Morajkar, Ms. Ridhima Vernekar, Mr. Soham Tulaskar and Mr. Loxley Dias, embarked on their educational expedition to Balli School meanwhile Team B, consisting of Mr. Clarence Dias, Mr. Benson Fernandes, Ms. Anushka Bhagat, and Ms. Karen Mendes, set out for the Sancordem School.

The workshop began with a warm welcome extended to the IEEE team by the staff and students of both the schools. The traditional lighting of the lamp ceremony added a touch of tradition and reverence to the event setting a positive tone for the day. The target audience for the workshop was the enthusiastic 9th-grade students. Their curiosity and eagerness to learn were palpable throughout the event. The core focus of the workshop was on Micro:bit Technology and Radio Communication using Arduino.

The IEEE STEM team started the workshop by introducing the students to Micro:bit, a versatile microcontroller that serves as an excellent tool for learning and prototyping. Participants were given hands-on experience with Micro:bit, learning to program it to perform various tasks such as blinking emojis and rolling the dice. The second part of the workshop delved into the world of Arduino-based radio communication wherein the students were taught the basics of Arduino programming and how to establish wireless communication between two Arduino boards. Practical demonstrations and interactive exercises made it easier for the students to grasp the concepts.

The workshop left the students with valuable takeaways including practical knowledge of Micro:bit and Arduino programming while collaborative activities throughout the workshop fostered teamwork and communication skills among the students. More importantly, the event ignited a passion for electronics, programming and technology.

The IEEE Workshop on Micro:bit and Radio Communication using Arduino was indeed an educational triumph. The warm welcome, engaging content and enthusiastic participation of the students made it a memorable and productive event. It not only expanded the horizons of the students but also strengthened the bond between the IEEE community and both the schools. Such initiatives play a pivotal role in nurturing the future of our country. This event was funded by IEEE Bombay Section.