Design, Development and Testing Of a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics Education Localised Cycle Car Model: A Case in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Steam in Ghanaian higher education

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314/pzeh0681

Keywords:

STEAM, Biomorphism, Interdisciplinary, Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Use

Abstract

This study explores the integration of traditional craftsmanship, technology, and sustainable practices in STEAM education, focusing on the design, development, and testing of a cycle car at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). It addresses the gap in effective modelling of STEAM competencies in Ghanaian education. Through a mixed methods approach, the study assesses students' perceived usefulness and ease of use of the cycle car, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive education in preparing students for engineering tasks. The qualitative phase involves observations and interviews, while the quantitative phase uses surveys to measure the project's impact on innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork using the Technology Acceptance Model. Findings reveal a significant link between educational experiences and practical abilities, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrating art with science and math in STEAM education. Over 90% of respondents expressed high satisfaction with the cycle car, underscoring its potential as a viable alternative to traditional mobility methods. The study validates the knowledge and skills acquired by students, emphasising the practical application of these talents in real-world projects.

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Author Biographies

  • Benjamin Ansah, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Benjamin Ansah is a doctoral researcher and applied artist with a background in metal fabrication technology and the integration of Ghanaian indigenous materials for efficient technologies. His work focuses on integrating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education into practical learning experiences notably championing the collaborative construction of simple campus mobiles like cycle cars, electric vehicles, manual scooter and bicycles. His interest is purely about bridging the gap between art and engineering to help students gain practical skills, solve real-world problems, and prepare for their carrier opportunities. Currently, exploring ways to strengthen STEAM education in Ghana through research, collaboration, and community engagement.

  • Harry Barton Essel, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Dr. Harry Barton Essel is an accomplished Associate Professor in Art Design and Educational Technology at the Department of Educational Innovations in Science and Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). With a multidisciplinary approach, he also contributes to the Department of Publishing Studies and Integrated Rural Art and Industry, fostering collaboration across academic disciplines. His research areas focuses on Artificial Intelligence Chatbots in Higher Education, Machine Learning Predictive Models in Education, Educational Data Science, Front-End Web Development, Cyberpsychology (e.g. Nomophobia, Smartphone addiction, Internet addiction, Cybervictimization, Cyberloafing/ Cyberslacking), Computational Thinking and Emerging Technologies (Hybrid Flipped Course Design Model)

  • Kafui Kwesi Agyeman, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    He obtained his PhD in the capacity of a wood metal integration in 2010. He is a staff of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi in the Department of Integrated Rural Art and Industry. He has served his department for the past 13 years in different capacities as a lecturer in different courses under integrated metal production and fabrication and also research methodology. Coupled with this job description are other secondary responsibilities both internal and external. He also served on various committees in and outside the department in both academic and non-academic capacities. His research areas are in Local art forms for product development, Local caldrons and related cast forms in metal integrated fabrication, Local technology for contemporary solutions and Processing and application of local raw materials

  • Frank Kwabena Afriyie Nyarko, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana

    Dr Frank Kwabena Afriyie Nyarko (BSc, MSc, PhD) is an ambitious, open-minded, and adaptable individual, who has achieved success with formal academic education and work experience in Ghana and UK. He is currently a Lecturer at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, KNUST. He teaches courses in Engineering Design Project, Basic Mechanics, Engineering Drawing, Machine Design (Product and Process), Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM). His research interests span across Engineering design and Energy like Robotic Assistive Technologies for supporting the rehabilitation of stroke patients, Patients transfer mechanisms design, Design of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) preventive devices for bed-ridden patients, Devices for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage, Modelling Solar PV cells for improved Reliability in Africa and Solar PV Thermal (PVT) reliability studies.

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Published

01/08/2026

Issue

Vol. 44 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Science and Technology

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Articles published in the JUST are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence (CC BY 4.0).

How to Cite

Design, Development and Testing Of a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics Education Localised Cycle Car Model: A Case in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology: Steam in Ghanaian higher education. (2026). Journal of Science and Technology, 44(2), 113-135. https://doi.org/10.4314/pzeh0681