https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MWcXlOgeXfeZ5e0bPkAcWAReqsxkYJnnOWymqwLyC3Y/edit?usp=sharing
In this lesson, students enhanced their STEM skills through a hands-on activity based on the story “The Three Little Pigs.” By constructing houses using marshmallows and cocktail sticks, the students aimed to create structures that could withstand the “Big Bad Wolf’s” huff and puff, simulated by a paper fan and a hairdryer. The lesson begins with a reading of the story to engage the students and set the context. This nicely integrates a well known story that the children are already familiar with and could be further extended with other lessons based on well known stories. Students will discuss 3D shapes using mathematical language, stability, and security, making predictions on what kinds of shapes and designs will work best which will then guide their construction process. They work in mixed-ability pairs, allowing for collaborative learning and idea sharing. Informal tests using paper fans can be conducted to encourage real-time adjustments and problem-solving. It also introduces the scientific skill of experimentation and trial and error in design. In the conclusion, the houses will be tested with a fan and hairdryer to observe their durability. Reflective questions will prompt discussions on why certain houses stood longer, why others collapsed, and what improvements could be made, including considering better building materials. This lesson was designed to promote collaborative learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, making the activity both educational and engaging. The lesson could be easily extended and could link well with more similar lessons whereby the students use problem solving and a variety of other skills in order to solve a problem. The test at the end is also a way to discuss how to conduct a fair test, by ensuring that each house is tested in the same way each time. This could be demonstrated by asking the children beforehand how the test should be conducted, that is how to ensure it is fair. This will involve questioning regarding the distance and the device used each time. The results will also be recorded and analysed afterwards, which will integrate well with data in Maths.