Inquiry-Based STEM Education: Creating a Stable Multivibrator for a Bee

Purpose: This purpose of this article is to implement engineering design through an inquiry-based STEM education approach. Through the implemented approach, this study examines the vital role of STEM education in equipping students to become innovative and efficient professionals in their future careers. STEM, an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, has played a pivotal role in academia and the advancement of modern technologies. Method: Utilizing the engineering design process, college engineering students were given the chance to design and construct a prototype of an astable multivibrator, integrate it with an animal image, and enhance their work through an iterative approach. To demonstrate the real-world application of STEM principles, the study of a multivibrator circuit was chosen as a representative example. This involves applying circuit theory, welding techniques, circuit design principles, and basic calculations to create visually appealing applications, such as animal images generated by electronic circuits. Results: The participants successfully designed and built an astable multivibrator for practical applications by utilizing the engineering design process: ask, imagine, create/test, and improve (optimize). Using the oscillating multivibrator, engineering majors created an astable circuit for a bee successfully which showed the increased confidence of enacting the engineering design process. Conclusion: By applying STEM concepts, college students gained confidence in utilizing them in real-world situations. The deeper our understanding of fundamental theories and concepts, the more creative ideas participants can generate, leading to applications that are both engaging and beneficial to society.