This course addresses the current need and interests of upper primary and secondary school teachers in learning how to teach interdisciplinary topics in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and arts (STEM+Arts). One innovative way of teaching these topics is by demonstrations using various gemstones and their properties. The course involves hands-on activities and laboratory experiments to demonstrate key concepts in STEM, and in visual art designs (jewellery). Some demonstrations involve real-life examples of natural gemstones and their fakes extending beyond the syllabus as informal science learning. Participants will be given opportunities to discuss how to use demonstrations in their science lessons. 

1. carry out demonstrations in measuring densities (or specific gravities) of various gemstones to differentiate them from their fakes (glass) using principles in physics, technology, and mathematics (2 hours).


2. carry out demonstrations in measuring refractive indices of various gemstones to differentiate them from their fakes (glass) using principles in physics, technology, and mathematics (2 hours).


3. carry out demonstrations in designing and constructing a mining method of obtaining gemstones from sand and soil using principles in science, technology, and engineering (2 hours).


4. carry out demonstrations in making a colourful iridescent abalone shell pendant from a raw shell using principles in chemistry, technology, and mathematics (2 hours).


5. carry out demonstrations in designing and constructing 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional visual art pieces using small gemstone chips of different colours (2 hours).


6. develop pedagogical strategies such as inquiry-based learning for incorporating these demonstrations into the science classrooms (2 hours).

1. Measurements and calculations of mass, volume, and density of regular-shaped and irregular-shaped gemstones and fakes (glass and plastic).


2. Floating and sinking of gemstones in liquid of different densities.  


3. Refraction of light, and measurements and calculations of refractive index of common transparent gemstones and their fakes.    


4. Separation of materials in a mixture of gemstones and sand using physical methods (running water).


5. Chemistry: chemical reaction of calcium carbonate (seashell) with acid


6.  2-dimensional and 3-dimensional visual art design and construction of art display using gemstone chips and small pieces.


7. Pedagogical strategies (e.g. STEM inquiry-based learning) using demonstrations in a science classroom