STEM in the South African Curriculum
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is not a separate subject in the CAPS curriculum, but its principles run through several learning areas: Natural Sciences and Technology, Mathematics, and the newer Coding and Robotics curriculum. Effective STEM activities connect these subjects through practical, hands-on projects that develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
STEM Activities by Phase
Foundation Phase (Grades R to 3)
Bridge Building Challenge
- CAPS link: Mathematics (measurement, shapes) and Life Skills (beginning knowledge)
- Activity: Learners build bridges from paper, cardboard, or craft sticks to hold a small weight. They test different designs and discuss why some are stronger than others
- Skills: Observation, prediction, comparing results
- Materials: Paper, cardboard, glue, small weights (coins or stones)
Seed Germination Investigation
- CAPS link: Life Skills (growing things, what plants need)
- Activity: Learners plant seeds in different conditions (light/dark, water/no water) and record growth over two weeks
- Skills: Recording data, making comparisons, drawing conclusions
- Materials: Beans or maize seeds, cups, soil, water
Intermediate Phase (Grades 4 to 6)
Water Filtration System
- CAPS link: Natural Sciences (water cycle, pollution), Technology (systems and control)
- Activity: Learners design and build a water filter using sand, gravel, cotton, and plastic bottles. They test the filter with muddy water and evaluate its effectiveness
- Skills: Design process, testing, evaluation, recording results
- Materials: Plastic bottles, sand, gravel, cotton wool, muddy water
Simple Machine Investigation
- CAPS link: Natural Sciences and Technology (forces, simple machines)
- Activity: Learners investigate levers, pulleys, and inclined planes using classroom materials. They measure how simple machines reduce effort and record their findings
- Skills: Measuring, calculating, comparing, reporting
Senior Phase (Grades 7 to 9)
Solar Oven Design Challenge
- CAPS link: Natural Sciences (energy, heat transfer), Technology (design process)
- Activity: Learners design and build solar ovens from cardboard boxes, aluminium foil, and plastic wrap. They test how effectively their ovens heat water and iterate on their designs
- Skills: Design thinking, data collection, iterative improvement
- SA context: Links to energy challenges and renewable energy solutions in South Africa
Coding a Weather Station
- CAPS link: Coding and Robotics (sensors, data), Natural Sciences (weather and climate)
- Activity: Using a micro:bit or Arduino, learners programme a simple weather station that measures temperature and displays readings. They collect data over a week and present findings
- Skills: Programming, data analysis, presentation
Planning STEM Lessons
- Start with the CAPS outcome – Identify the specific curriculum outcome the activity addresses before designing the activity
- Use available materials – The best STEM activities use low-cost or recycled materials that are accessible to all schools
- Include reflection – After each activity, learners should discuss what worked, what didn’t, and what they would change. This develops metacognition
- Assess the process – Evaluate learners on their design process, teamwork, and reasoning, not just the final product
- Connect to local contexts – Frame challenges around South African issues: water scarcity, energy, food security, transport