Introduction

Sonali Dasgupta, a research scientist with a PhD in physics from IIT Delhi, transformed her daughter’s natural curiosity into a nationwide education movement promoting hands-on STEM learning. Through her platform, STEMonsters Education, she challenges the traditional Indian rote learning system by making science accessible and engaging for children across grades 3 to 12.

From Questions to Experiments: Sparking Curiosity in Children

Children’s inquisitive questions like “Why do leaves on some trees change color?” or “Why do magnets stick to the fridge?” sparked Sonali’s innovative teaching approach. Rather than relying on textbook answers, she uses experiments to bring scientific concepts to life. Her 15 years of experience working with leading scientists have informed these engaging lessons.

STEMonsters Education connects textbook theory with practical, real-world experience, helping students transform curiosity into confident innovation. This approach diverges significantly from the prevalent focus on memorization in Indian schools.

Making Science Accessible at Home

Sonali’s daughter Srishti was the inspiration behind STEMonsters Education. When Srishti asked questions, Sonali created models and experiments to provide tangible answers. The COVID-19 lockdown intensified these moments, as regular lab visits became impossible.

In 2021, during the pandemic’s second wave, Sonali officially launched STEMonsters Education from Bengaluru to keep the spirit of inquisitive learning alive at home. Despite global disruptions, they continued hands-on experiments, embodying the philosophy that the best way to understand science is through doing.

“Often, academics in Indian schools focus only on definitions. When I worked in top labs worldwide, I saw different ways kids were introduced to science. Our curriculum is very good, but we need to change how we teach it to children.” – Sonali Dasgupta

Tailored Learning Modules for All Ages

STEMonsters Education offers a wide array of activity-based modules aligned with academic subjects and designed for various age groups:

  • Young Children: Learn about shapes, solutions, simple machines, and colors.
  • Middle School Students: Explore topics such as forensics, applied chemistry, genetics, and space science.
  • High School Students: Study advanced concepts including quantum physics, aerodynamics, electromagnetism, zoology, and botany.

Beyond science, STEMonsters also provides technical courses in robotics, 3D design and printing, app design, and coding. Classes take place online and through school workshops, emphasizing experiential learning over memorization. Modules are customized by grade level, and after-school classes cover a variety of topics to foster deeper engagement.

Inspiring Innovation Through Competitions

Sonali encourages students across India not only to observe scientific experiments but to create their own. STEMonsters’ flagship annual event, STEMXplore 2026, celebrates India’s National Science Day and promotes creativity and discovery.

The event features several competitions designed to challenge students and nurture innovation:

  • Junior Hackathon (Grades 4-6): Young participants develop digital solutions, testing their logic and creativity within 72 hours.
  • Let’s Talk STEM (Grades 7-12): Students present complex STEM ideas in clear three-minute talks, addressing the theme “Learning in the Age of AI: Efficiency vs Ability.”
  • Story Behind My Tech (Grades 7-12): Individuals or teams explore the engineering behind technologies, focusing on “Engineering Energy Efficient Communities.”

Winners showcase their innovations at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, receiving prizes and national recognition.

About the Author

Krystelle Dsouza

All images courtesy of Sonali Dasgupta.