FSC

THE ATLANTIC FUTURE SKILLS CENTRE (FSC) in PARTNERSHIP with NIHERST

Empowering Future Innovators Through STEM and Innovation

The Atlantic Future Skills Centre (FSC), developed in partnership with the National Institute of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST), is a dynamic, interactive learning hub dedicated to equipping young minds with the knowledge, 21st-century skills, and practical experiences they need to thrive in the modern world.

Through immersive technologies and hands-on projects, students are introduced to core areas of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), innovation, and sustainability. The Centre uses a NextGen approach to learning that integrates these themes with national curriculum standards and future-ready competencies.

  • Target group: Primary and secondary school students
  • Duration: Sessions range from 1-day visits to multi-session programmes

Curriculum themes:

  • Engineering & Design Thinking
  • Robotics & Coding
  • Augmented/Virtual Reality
  • Renewable Energy & Sustainability
  • Forensic Science
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation
  • CAD & 3D Design
  • STEM Career Exploration

What Students Gain:

  • Creative problem-solving
  • Teamwork and leadership
  • Digital literacy and innovation
  • Career awareness in high-growth fields
  • Exposure to real-world tech
  • Confidence and critical thinking

Learning Objectives and Curriculum Applications:

TERM 1: Std. 3 students TERM 2: Form 3
Engineering 101 Design Challenges
    • Learning Objectives:
    • Explain the terms, force and simple machines
    • Identify the various types of forces
    • Classify simple machines based on their function
    • Select and construct appropriate simple machines to complete a task
    • Understand the importance of measurements and units
      Curriculum Applications
      • Science concepts: - Simple Machines and Forces
      • Mathematics concepts: - Measurement
    • Learning Objectives:
    • Understand concept such as mechanical advantage
    • Analyse simple machine components of compound devices
    • Research, design and sketch a device which solves real life challenge
    • Construct a device that solves real life challenges
    • Test and assess solution models for effectiveness and efficiency
    • Understand the importance of measurements, units and proportions in model designs.
      Curriculum Applications
      • Physics concepts: - Forces, Mechanical Advantage, Simple Machines, Stability
      • Mathematics concepts: - Measurement, Geometry (Angles, shapes, etc)
Introduction to AR/VR technology Applications of AR/VR
    • Learning Objectives:
    • Define augmented reality and virtual reality a types of digital technology
    • Identify the key differences in terms of interaction between AR and VR technology.
    • Identify real-life applications of AR/VR technology
    • Explore how AR/VR can be used to investigate science concepts
    • Develop and present basic virtual scene or model using AV/VR simulations
      Curriculum Applications
      • Science concepts: - Ecosystems and Habitats, Alternative energy, Simple circuits, States of matter; Life cycle of insects
      • Mathematical concepts:- Geometry (3D figures, symmetry); Mathematical operations (add, subtract, divide, multiply), fractions; Measurement
    • Learning Objectives:
    • Explain the technology behind AR/VR
    • Identify advanced features of AR/VR technology
    • Discuss the impact of AR/VR technology on various industries
    • Explore concepts Science and Mathematical concepts e.g. Balancing linear equations, graphing variables, digestive system, nervous system, atomic structure, introduction to bonding.
    • Use AR/VR technology to explore careers in medicine, agriculture, manufacturing and transportation.
    • Use AR/VR technology to design and construction solutions to physical challenges
    • Create virtual scenario on a mathematical or scientific concept of your choice using VR/AR technology.
Renewable Energy and Sustainability Innovations of Renewable Energy Technology
    • Learning Objectives:
    • Define the term alternative energy
    • Identify various sources of renewable energy (wind, solar and hydro)
    • Identify basic components of a solar panel or wind turbine
    • Understand how solar panels and wind turbines produce energy
    • Construct simple alternative energy device (solar or wind)
    • Identify additional renewable energy sources (geothermal and biomass)
    • Explain the greenhouse effect and its impact on global climate change.
    • Explore simple sustainability practices such as recycling, composting, and conserving water and energy resources.
      Curriculum Applications
      • Science concepts: - Conservation and Sustainability, Pollution
      • Agricultural Science
      • Mathematics:- Data Handling, Geometry
    • Learning Objectives:
    • Identify sustainable practices used in daily life
    • Explain how these sustainable practices contribute environmental protection and resource conservation.
    • Compare and contrast the efficiency and environmental impact of different renewable energy sources
    • Design and build basic models of renewable energy systems (solar, wind, hydro)
    • Design and model a home using renewable energy source and sustainable measures.
    • Design and present an innovative use of renewable energy in your community or school.
      Curriculum Applications
      • Biology, Agri-Science and Environmental Science: - Pollution, Alternative Energy, Climate Change, Sustainability
      • Physics:- Circuits, Energy Conversion
Discovering Robotics Advance Robotics
    • Learning Objectives:
    • Identify different types of robots used in everyday life
    • Explore the importance of balance, structure and movement in robotics
    • Explain how simple machines improve robot designs
    • Identify basic electronic components; batteries, motors and simple circuits
    • Use block-base code to program a robot to perform a simple tasks.
    • Explain how Mathematics (geometric shapes and angles) influence a robot’s movement.
      Curriculum Applications
      • Science concepts: - Simple Machines, Forces, Simple circuits
      • Mathematics concepts: - Measurement, Geometry, Patterns and sequencing
    • Learning Objectives:
    • Discuss the impact of Robotic use in society
    • Describe the role and function of microcontrollers in robotics components
    • Explore the importance of sensors to robotic movement
    • Differentiate between the various types of logic in coding
    • Design and build robotic structures using materials provided
    • Use block-base code to create a program for robot to perform a simple task.
    • Explore text-based programming languages used in robotics
    • Write a simple code to programme robotic movement
      Curriculum Applications
      • Subject Areas:- Electricity and Electronics
      • Mathematics concepts:- Sequencing, Geometry (angles), Graphing
Forensic Science – Crime Science Investigation Forensic Science – Evidence Testing
    • Learning Objectives:
    • Explain the concept of trace evidence
    • Utilise your observation skills to identify at least types trace evidence (fibres, imprints and hair, soil)
    • Design a method to collect each type of evidence sample
    • Identify and collect all trace evidence samples present at a virtual crime scene.
    • Write descriptive report on observations of virtual crime scene.
    • Perform analysis on at two selected trace evidence samples (soil, fibre and chromatography)
      Curriculum Applications
      • Science concepts: - Fibres, Soil Analysis, Form and Function (separation of mixtures, separation of solutions)
      • Development of process skills
    • Learning Objectives:
    • Explore the various disciplines of science utilised in the field of Forensic Science
    • Discus various scientific methods of analysing trace evidence (fibres-microscope, imprints-observation, forgery – chromatography, unknown substances-toxicology)
    • Explore the concept of DNA fingerprinting and its importance in Forensic Science
    • Perform DNA extraction of organic material
    • Discuss the negative impact of cybercrimes on society.
    • Interpret basic results from a simulated toxicology test, identifying potential toxins present.
    • Design and explain a step-by-step process to identify unknown fibers retrieved from a simulated crime scene.
    • Use appropriate methods of evidence collection and relevant forensic analysis methods to solve simulated crime scene.
      Curriculum Applications
      • Development of process skills; - observation, report writing; analysis, inference
      • Science concepts: - Fibres, Soil Analysis, Chromatography
Design Thinking (Precursor to Intro to CAD) Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    • Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the basic steps in the design process; brainstorming, planning, creating, testing improving
    • Identify simple problems and brainstorm potential solutions
    • Produce free hand sketches
    • Learn the basics of 3D design and the differences from 2D design.
    • Utilise accurate measurements and SI units in prototype design
    • Understand the importance of selecting appropriate materials in the design thinking process
    • Design a solution for given challenge.
      Curriculum Applications
      • Mathematics concepts: - Measurement, Geometry,
      • Science concepts: - Form and Function
      • VAPA: - construction of models using various materials
    • Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the term Innovation
    • Identify innovation solutions in the real-life scenarios
    • Explain the steps of the design process
    • Apply the steps of the design process to produce a household item which improves a specific task
    • Create a 3D sketch of solution using appropriate software include measurements to scale
    • Create model of item using appropriate materials
    • Test and assess item’s performance and usability.
    • Design innovative solutions that address sustainability challenges, such as renewable energy sources or eco-friendly products.
      Curriculum Applications
      • Mathematics concepts: - Measurement, Geometry, Scaling,
      • Subject Areas: - Building and Furniture Tech, Technical Drawing, Mechanical Tech, EET, Visual Arts, Information Technology
      • Science: - Material Science
      • Principles of Business and Business of Accounts
Sketching for Design/Introduction to Computer Aided Design Software Introduction to 3D Printing
    • Learning Objectives:
    • Understand and practice fundamental sketching techniques
    • Understand the uses of traditional drafting instruments (e.g. Set squares, circle templates etc.)
    • Learn how to represent objects in proportion and at different scales accurately.
    • Understanding spatial ability and sketching
    • Understand the importance of measurement in design and prototyping.
    • Develop the ability to visualize three-dimensional objects and represent them in two-dimensional sketches.
    • Understand and apply the principles of perspective drawing to create depth and realism in sketches.
    • Introduction to basic CAD interface
    • Understanding basic CAD commands
    • Understand and apply colour relationships in a digital design interfaces
    • Learn the basic commands used to create 2D and 3D designs.
    • Learn to add details and refine sketches to prepare them for translation into CAD software.
      Curriculum Applications
      • Mathematics concepts: - Measurement, Geometry, Scaling, Symmetry
      • Use of technology
      • Use of IDEATE model
    • Learning Objectives:
    • Understand the process of 3D Printing Technology.
    • Introduction to equipment used in 3D printing.
    • Discuss the advantages and limitations of 3D printing technology.
    • Identify basic 2D and 3D shapes.
    • Learn the basics of 2D shapes and the differences from 3D design.
    • Introduction to basic CAD interface.
    • Understanding basic CAD commands.
    • Understand the process to change 2D drawings to 3D drawings using CAD.
    • Understand and apply colour relationships in a digital design interfaces.
    • Understand the importance of measurement in design and prototyping.
    • Modify designs to meet desired criteria.
    • Identify common materials used in 3D printing and their properties.
    • Create simple 3D models using CAD software.
    • Modify designs to meet desired criteria.
    • Use slicing software to prepare models for printing.
    • Explore the potential of 3D printing on traditional manufacturing industries.
      Curriculum Applications
      • Mathematics concepts: - Measurement, Geometry, Scaling,
      • Subject Areas: -Technical Drawing, Mechanical Tech, EET, Visual Arts, Information Technology
      • Principles of Business and Business of Accounts