[Hilda Hegarty]

I think this sounds like a wonderful project. You would be exposing the children to so many different types of enquiry and thinking not to mind the variety of data representation they would see.

I also love the topic, we all love a good old weather discussion. The historical aspect of it gives a lovely springboard to discussion with older people  at home and climate change of course.

[Hilda Hegarty]

I think it’s interesting that’s Mary’s experience in a special school setting where pupils learn best when

They can touch,experiment and see things happening for themselves

Is really the essence  of the methodology for the STEM curriculum.

As an aside I visted Birr Castle as I was in the area and discovered a native of my town Agnes Mary Clerke born in 1842 had a connection there. On subsequent investigation, she was an extraordinary woman.  Definitely a prompt for our senior classes for STEM projects.

[Hilda Hegarty]

Not sure where all the text before my question came from !

[Hilda Hegarty]

<ul style=”box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px 15px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; background-image: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; color: #163c42; font-family: ‘Hind Madurai’, sans-serif;”>
<li style=”box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background: 0px 0px; list-style: disc;”>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 am moving back to some class teaching  after a number of years in a support role SET. I think the Curious Minds / ESERO framework for Inquiry is something that will definitely help me to apply some of the concepts outlined in this module as core to STEM teaching.

The whole Engage section allows for meaningful and integrated learning. The prompt allows a stimulus from the children’s everyday life. For example a post summer discussion on swimming at the beach and when is the best time. The eliciting of waves / tides as playing a part.

Again the section on wondering allows children come up with their questions ,theories encouraging the sense of agency . Can you remember when you went, what did you notice about swimming, deep water shallow etc.

The exploring section allows you reflect on activities to engage the children, water play, spilling water, measuring how far it travels etc. The inclusion prompt again allows the teacher reflect on the meaningful participation of everyone.

I think that whole framework , the investigation, taking the next step and reflection is an ideal way to guide teachers in implementing the STEM curriculum . It is something I look forward to using in Sept with Senior Infants and our first topic will be waves and tides.

 

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