The STEMulator platform was officially launched in early July 2020 with the aim of getting more school-going learners interested and engaged in STEM subjects and careers and to persevere with maths and science at school. Featuring a wide range of interactive and educational content, the STEMulator was developed by the NSTF and its proSET (Professionals in Science, Engineering and Technology) Committee.  STEMulator is a proudly South African initiative that is unique in the world, providing a platform for young people to explore, discover, and learn about the important role that STEM professionals play in various fields.

“It is not your typical educational platform,” explains Richard Gundersen, Chief Instigator at STEMulator. “It's an immersive, interactive landscape filled with animated objects and clickable areas. Imagine a child clicking on a car and being transported inside to explore its engine or clicking on a farm and learning about the machinery used for harvesting. This engaging format allows learners to explore various aspects of STEM in a fun and accessible way.”

Virtual school

The NSTF's have created a virtual school that is fully aligned to the existing educational curricula and programmes, ensuring a cohesive and effective learning environment that supports the development of our future leaders in STEM fields. By doing so, we hope to inspire a passion for learning, foster critical thinking, and equip our youth with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world.

The addition of the maths and science classrooms in the virtual school, set to go live on 16 June 2024 is in celebration of Youth Day. This initiative aims to address the pressing need of developing STEM literacy in South Africa by providing a comprehensive and engaging educational experience.

A call to action - contribute to the future of STEM education.

While STEMulator offers a robust foundation, there's always room for growth. The NSTF encourages contributions from individuals, educators, and organisations. Visit STEMulator at https://stemulator.org/ .