stem education in the primary sector mark brownrigg curriculum for excellence coordinator
TRANSCRIPT
Reflect and evaluate
lead
Engineering in education
Problem solving
Evaluate systems, products
Use software
collaborate
Think creativelyThink critically
Design & build
Formulate questions
Research
Use tools, equipment, materials
Background The transition project was a
collaboration between Balerno High School, Dean Park, Kirknewton and Ratho Primaries.
This P7/S1 energy project involved the three primaries and the English, Mathematics and Science departments at the secondary school.
Context – Energy House The learners in
primary 7 are challenged to build a model of an energy efficient home.
The models are presented to a member of staff from the secondary for judging.
The project focused on the following key areas:
Science – energy, renewable energy sources, conserving energy, recycling, heat and insulation
Literacy – research and presentation skills
Mathematics – scale, 2D drawings, 3D models, perimeter, area and volume
The challenges• A waterfall with a swimming pool (mosaic
art and link to tiling in maths).• A road bridge which opens and closes
using a switch ( circuits and electricity, technologies).
• Lighting system (operating when bridge is closed – circuits, technologies).
• Roundabout/boat turning area ( magnets and forces, technologies).
• Seesaw action to create Tinker bell’s launch pad ( Forces and measuring)
• Cable car between the two mountain tops (forces , technologies)
Next steps
• Insights into how their learning relates to the world of work and how engineers work could be built upon with a visit from a STEM ambassador
• A range of strategies could be used to help the learners reflect upon the skills being developed, for example, a photograph board with post its where the learners reflect upon skills being used during the challenges