Duncan Johnson: STEM Training from Ohio to Nepal - Empowering Students in through Hands-on Learning
Duncan Johnson spent his Leadership-in-Action project with Karkhana Samuha, a nonprofit organization in Nepal that focuses on creating STEM-based educational activities for middle and high school students. Duncan, who leads the American STEM nonprofit Bx Coding, found this collaboration to be a natural fit. His summer was spent developing and teaching hands-on STEM curriculum in public schools in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, for students in grades 6 through 10.
Throughout the summer, Duncan engaged in five key activities: teaching classes, leading professional development sessions, developing STEM curricula, immersing in Nepali culture, and participating in various community events. One memorable moment occurred when he arrived at a school ready to teach an engineering class, only to find himself attending a singing competition where students performed impressive songs in both Nepali and English. Experiences like this deepened Duncan’s understanding of Nepal’s culture and education system.
Duncan was involved in designing and delivering activities centered around computer science, mathematics, and engineering. He created and translated educational materials, including Scratch programming activities and math lessons on area and volume, which were then taught to over 100 students across multiple schools. One school had a special tradition called Book-Free Friday, which emphasized hands-on learning over textbook-based instruction—an approach that aligned perfectly with Duncan’s interactive teaching style.
Beyond his work in the classroom, Duncan formed meaningful connections with his colleagues and students. Whether it was hiking through the beautiful mountainous regions, attending festivals, or even making dal bat (a traditional Nepali meal), he embraced the Nepali philosophy of treating everyone like family. This cultural immersion enhanced his ability to connect with students and educators alike, as he participated in a variety of community activities and even received a heartwarming farewell from the students.
Reflecting on his experience, Duncan shared that the most important lessons he learned were rooted in cultural exchange and adaptability. He noted how the welcoming nature of his colleagues and students made his transition into the new environment smoother, despite language barriers and unfamiliar settings. His passion for education was reciprocated by the students, who eagerly engaged with the STEM activities he developed.
Looking ahead, Duncan and his team are working on an initiative called COMET (Collection of Open Source Materials for Education and Tinkering), which aims to make STEM educational materials more accessible globally. His summer in Nepal marked just the beginning of this vision, as he continues to explore ways to connect students and educators worldwide through the power of hands-on learning.
Come hear Duncan's inspiring story of cultural exchange, STEM education, and the importance of treating everyone like family in both education and life!
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