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Outline how you would use some of the course resources to conduct a seasonal biodiversity project to run throughout the school year. What resources and recording sheets would you need? How often would you bring learning outdoors? How would you integrate other subject areas?
Resource wise I would make use of various keys and online resources to encourage pupils to actively explore and identify local flora and fauna. The recording app is certainly something that I would utilise to record key information. I would also make my own recording sheets such as different grids etc that are relevant to our particular school and environment to make learning more meaningful for children.
I would bring learning outdoors at least twice a week to make it relevant and meaningful for children. I could spend one hour in the classroom teaching them what they would learn in 10 minutes outside observing and investigating first hand. I would integrate other subject areas in a variety of ways, for example: Art- children could come up with different ways of drawing/painting what they have seen, they could use the medium of clay to replicate a particular flower etc seen. Literacy- they could write about and describe what they have seen. Oral language: They could discuss and present what they have experienced. Maths: They could create bar charts/pie charts of various quantities of biodiversity experienced. PE: children are outside, actively moving and running. Of course all of this biodiversity interlinks with STEM in the classroom.
Hi Lora, the idea of partnering up with older kids is great as often older children love to show their knowledge and adore working with younger children. Using Lego is a super idea for making this map idea even more enjoyable for children.
I would start by introducing my class to the concept of maps. Discuss places where maps are used—at school, in the car, or on a treasure hunt.I would guide them in creating a simple “map” of a familiar space, like the classroom or their home. I would teach them how to use Google Maps and explore familiar locations like our local library, supermarket etc asking questions like: “Can you see the school on the map? What do you notice? Where is the playground?” I would then let children use Google Maps on their own devices to zoom in and out, showing them how maps change as they move closer or farther away. WHen I feel that they understand maps I would have each child create their own simple map. They could draw a map of the classroom, including where the door, windows, and tables are located. I would encourage them to use symbols, colors, and labels if possible. In the next lesson I would let children select a place to “find” on Google Maps such as their home or a favorite spot. I would ask them to find “something like a tree” or “a big building” on the map and compare it to what they drew on their own maps. After this I would ask the children to share their maps with the class, explaining what they drew and how they decided where to place things. The importance of maps and how they can help people find their way would be emphasised. It is important that at the end of the lesson children see maps as tools that help us and that drawing maps is fun and helps us understand the spaces around us. The focus of the lessons would be on making them playful and relatable.
I agree Danielle, Liston’s approach has also encouraged me to open my mind up to STEM and use it more in the classroom. The solar panel idea sounds excellent and I know my kids would adore such a fun and engaging activity!
STEM teaching in my classroom involves me trying my best to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Instead of teaching these subjects separately, I want to encourage children to apply concepts across all disciplines to real-life. For example, students might design and build a bridge using lollipop sticks and glue to learn about about force and measurement while also developing teamwork skills.
I try to make lessons as student-centered as possible, encouraging kids to ask lots of questions. I use technology tools like ipads to enhance learning and engagement.
All of this STEM education helps students to develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.