STEM Across the Curriculum

STEM is an approach to learning that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through STEM, students develop key skills including: problem solving, creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, initiative, communication, digital literacy. Integrated STEM learning combines the subject matter of two or more STEM subjects into a joint learning experience. In the Junior School units of work incorporate Inquiry Learning where the Design and Technologies and Digital Curriculum are integrated with HASS, Science, Maths and English.

Some examples follow:

Year 2 students used drones, augmented reality and robots to consolidate and experience their knowledge and understanding in Geography. Identifying continents on a world map and then flying a drone to location and labelling. Using an Augmented Reality App to view the continents after discussing locations and surrounding oceans. Programming a Blue Bot to navigate to a given grid references as required on a map.

Year 2 girls have been busy exploring circuity with copper tape, coin batteries and Chibitronic stickers. They created a circuit to light up part of their hot air balloon pictures. The girls experienced flying drones to take the correct name of materials which were needed to make items, for example a LittleBits wheel is made from plastic and rubber. Girls made aeroplanes following an algorithm which they had first abstracted unnecessary information and then flew the planes to see which design flew the furthest. This was part of a science unit: Different materials can be combined for a particular purpose.

Year 3 created a 3D model of a local community with ‘human features’ as part of their Geography unit of work. Using roads and road signs the girls programmed ProBots to navigate the community using angles and distances to stay on the roads and pass buildings. A drone was flown over the community to take aerial photos.

 

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Jackie Child
Jackie Child has been teaching primary aged students for 40 years in a number of countries. She is passionate about how children learn through constructivist pedagogy. She is a Teacher Librarian at St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School and a sessional tutor at Griffith University for pre-service teachers. Jackie doesn’t believe in standing still, there is always plenty to ‘do’ and learn!

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