The STEM Laboratory is an innovative educational and research environment designed to develop students’ scientific research, technical creativity, and practical skills through the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The laboratory’s activities focus on integrating modern technologies into the educational process, conducting practical and experimental work, developing engineering projects, and solving scientific and technical problems.

Main Objective of the Laboratory

To foster students’ scientific outlook, develop their research abilities, and enhance their practical skills in science and engineering through the application of STEM education technologies.

Main Tasks of the Laboratory

Organizing practical classes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Providing opportunities to acquire skills in robotics, programming, and automation technologies.

Developing engineering projects and technical models.

Conducting experimental research and analyzing the results obtained.

Applying 3D modeling, digital design, and prototyping technologies.

Developing students’ critical thinking, creativity, and project-based learning skills.

Promoting the development of interdisciplinary research projects and innovative solutions.

Main Areas of Laboratory Activity

Scientific Research: Experimental investigation of physical, chemical, and mathematical phenomena.

Robotics and Automation: Building robots, working with sensors, and developing automated systems.

Programming and Digital Technologies: Creating algorithms, developing software products, and using digital tools.

Engineering Design: Modeling and constructing technical devices and developing prototypes.

3D Modeling and Prototyping: Developing three-dimensional models and applying them in practice.

STEM Education: Organizing project-based learning, practical assignments, and scientific and technical competitions.

Equipment and Technologies Used

Depending on the laboratory’s actual material and technical resources, the following equipment and technologies may be used:

Robotics kits and microcontrollers;

Electronic components and sensors;

Programmable devices;

3D printers and modeling tools;

Computers and engineering software;

Measuring instruments for physical experiments;

Automation and digital design systems.

Expected Outcomes

Development of students’ scientific research and engineering competencies.

Improvement in the quality of practical experiments and project work.

Acquisition of skills in robotics, programming, and engineering modeling.

Development of innovative technical projects and prototypes.

Advancement of interdisciplinary research and scientific and technical creativity.

Enhancement of modern STEM education practices in higher education institutions.

An innovative research environment designed to advance education, scientific research, and practical learning through the use of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies.

The laboratory's activities may focus on creating virtual environments, working with three-dimensional (3D) models, conducting interactive simulations, and integrating digital technologies into educational and research activities.

Main Objective of the Laboratory

To enhance students' practical skills, improve the effectiveness of scientific research, and establish a modern digital learning environment through the application of virtual and augmented reality technologies.

Main Tasks of the Laboratory

• Developing and using educational resources based on virtual and augmented reality technologies.
• Creating three-dimensional objects, models, and virtual environments.
• Using interactive learning programs and virtual simulations.
• Developing students' practical skills in a safe virtual environment.
• Integrating VR/XR technologies into scientific research and project-based activities.
• Providing opportunities for interdisciplinary research in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and interactive visualization.

Main Areas of Activity

1. Education: Developing virtual lessons, interactive learning materials, and practical exercises.
2. Scientific Research: Visualizing complex processes, performing 3D modeling, and conducting virtual experiments.
3. Engineering and Technology: Examining three-dimensional models of devices, mechanisms, and technical objects.
4. Medicine and Biology: Visualizing anatomical models and biological structures.
5. Digital Content Development: Creating virtual environments, interactive applications, and AR/XR projects.

Technologies and Equipment Used

Depending on the laboratory's actual equipment, the following technologies and tools may be used:

• VR headsets and virtual reality glasses;
• AR/MR devices;
• high-performance graphics computers and workstations;
• 3D modeling and visualization software;
• motion-tracking systems and interactive controllers;
• software tools for developing virtual simulations.

Expected Outcomes

• Development of innovative digital educational resources;
• improvement of students' spatial reasoning and practical skills;
• integration of virtual experiments and interactive models into the learning process;
• advancement of scientific projects and interdisciplinary research;

expansion of opportunities for applying digital technologies in higher education institutions

According to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, researchers at Khoja Ahmed Yasawi University have commissioned a 30 kW solar power plant on the university campus. This initiative aims to promote green energy projects and support sustainable development goals.

The project was implemented under the grant programme entitled “Developing Students’ Research and Engineering Activities through the Implementation of STEM Projects in Solar Energy.” It is designed to enrich students’ academic knowledge and practical experience.

The solar power plant serves as an important educational and research platform for training future engineering and technology specialists. Students have the opportunity to evaluate solar panel performance, investigate the effects of solar incidence angles, temperature variations, and dust accumulation on energy generation, optimize panel placement, use efficient inverters, integrate energy storage systems, and conduct economic and environmental analyses. These activities are incorporated into courses in physics, engineering, and environmental science.

The SolarMan SMART platform is used to monitor and control the operation of the power plant. It enables real-time monitoring of inverter performance, data analysis, fault detection, and remote system management. The platform also provides detailed information on the current operating status of the inverters, electricity generation and consumption, and the overall efficiency of the system.

The commissioning of the solar power plant is expected to reduce the university’s dependence on conventional energy sources and contribute to the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies. Furthermore, the project provides opportunities to develop students’ research competencies, apply theoretical knowledge in practice, and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of renewable energy.