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I would use Kathleen Lonsdale for a number of reasons.
Firstly she is from Kildare and honoured in Maynooth University which is close to my school.
She is female and inspirational. I love the fact that she went to the local boys school for science lessons as the girls school didnt offer lessons. I think all would take inspiration from this in scientific inquiry and investigations in class.
I would start by displaying a picture of her and elciiting and prompting to gather guesses as to how and why she might be famous.
Once established we would do a KWL on Padlet of questions.
On the iPads in pairs the children would read the ask about ireland fact file and they return to Padlet to fill in their answers.
Using her as inspiration the children would come up with I wonder how or why questions and in groups each group would seek to design an experiment to investigate said question.
I would provide websites for research where the chidlren would scan the QR code to access them.
This project would take place over a number of weeks using the scientific method of discovery to guide their research question.
Excellent ideas here for testing the structure of the bridge. And so engaging. The children would really enjoy it. Very detailed project. Well done. Great thought put in to this. I will have third in September and there are definite elements I would use from your ideas. Thanks.
Research engineering in your local area and describe how you would use a local building, structure or other engineering feature as inspiration for a classroom or outdoor design and make project.
This is actually similar to an engineering project I engaged in with a fifth class.
Inspiration; Brainstorming local buildings of interest both modern and ancient (integrating with history). Looking and responding at suggested buildings. Paired work anyalysing the buildings for structure etc. Whole class feedback as to how similar could be reconstructed. We have many local historical buildings of unique design such as The Wonderful Barn and Connollys Folly.
Planning and design. In groups of 3 the children will plan to recreate the local buidlings, listing resources and materials they will need and thinking of mathematical elements like size, proportions, best shapes for stability etc.
The children would make the structures engaging in problem solving measuring etc. Working collaboratively.
Each group would reflect and evaulate their design. What would they change and keep etc.
Group feedback would also be given.
To integrate ICT the children would document the learning and create a report using Adobe Spark or similar.
Fantastic ideas here. I think it’s something that would work well across the school and it is a nice way of honing in on the birds local to the area.
Great ideas here. It would definitely tie in with ideas I my own lesson outline. I like the idea of integrating maths. I hadn’t made this integration. Thanks for sharing.
Biodiversity project
I would focus my project on changes in the seasons. We are lucky that the canal runs at the back of our school with easy access to it. I think it would be wonderful to explore the changes through the seasons in line with our local trail (integrating with history and geography). The children would explore the wildlife, observes the trees, minibeasts and changes through the seasons using the curious minds framework and also the wealth of resources from Carlow. These identification sheets will be very useful. We would venture out to the canal once in each season. I think noting weather patterns also would integrate nicely with geography. There are opportunities for art through the seasons also using the autumn leaves for example for inspiration. Digital learning could also play a part. The chidlren could do an oral report of the findings utilising the iPads for images on the canal and creating a video back in the class using something like Adobe Spark to present it or Google Slides. It could tie in with the mapping lesson on the canal I outlined in Module 2.
For younger classes, describe how you would plan and conduct a lesson on map making and explain how you might incorporate some online tools such as Google maps or Geohive.
I would engage in map making activities with my third class utilising ideas from the course.
Firstly I would use Google maps to identify where we are on the map. There is a canal close to the school and it forms part of our local trail. We would discuss key areas here including the train station and the GAA pitch etc.
We would take note of things of interest on our local trail walk. We could utilise the iPad to take pictures and document our learning at a later date using Google slides or Adobe Spark perhaps.
The children would collect vegetation and othet items to create a map similar to the video. I like the idea of also using lego. Perhaps different groups could utulisie different materials.
Time would be given for collaboration and reflection on finishing.
This is a lovely lesson. Lots of ideas. I love the idea of the book as an opener to provoke enthusiasm for the lesson to follow.
This is a lovely idea – examining the soil samples. I have often seen the layers of soil being recreated using the bottles also to create a visual of soil layers. Something perhaps that could extend the initial lesson.
Fiona great ideas here. I agree. I love the idea of a buzz and hive of activity in the class. When we plan for STEM its so worth it when we see the response and enthusiasm. Great idea returning to lesson planning and seeing where STEM inquiry based lessons can be integrated in line with the STEM Education policy.
Describe how you could apply some of the concepts and skills you have learned in this module to your own teaching practice in line with the STEM Education policy statement.
I found this module very insightful and informative. There are definite concepts and skills I will apply in line with the Education Policy Statemet.
Firstly I will utilise the Curious Minds to develop skills of inquiry, predicting, analysis and reflection and planning or further investigation etc. These skills and concepts can be utilised across the curriculum as outlined in the Educatuon policy. I love the idea of integrating STEM into curricular areas and as outlined it lends itself well to the Arts.
With my third class I plan to integrate my learning into oral language development, the Arts, maths and SESE.
I also will update our digital learning plan with learning from this module and focusing on the key skills of scientific inquiry.
Lastly I love the idea of starting with a prediction or I wonder. This reminds me of elements of the English building bridges comprehension strategy. Its something that I will be sure to focus on.
