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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.
For younger classes, I feel there were a wide variety of useful resources provided in this module. I would begin a lesson with a discussion on maps….what are maps, where have they seen maps before, have they ever used a map, etc. Following on from this, I would show children images of different types of maps, eg, physical maps, satellite maps, etc and use the various layers on Google maps or hiking apps such as alltrails or hiiker. We would look at the concept of ‘birdseye’ view to develop an understanding of maps being created from above. We would then create a key of the symbols that we could use for our maps. Following on from this, we would take a walk of the school grounds and do a draft of a map while walking, discussing various features that could be included on our maps. On returning to the classroom, the children would work collaboratively to create a map of the school grounds, with the help of Google earth and Google maps. Children could include items that they may have found on their walk, such as twigs to represent trees. We would follow up by presenting each map and comparing and contrasting the ways in which each group chose to represent different elements and features of the school grounds.
This is a fantastic idea and a great way to involve the committee in creating an action plan for the year.
I also found the authentic and engaging integration of STEM an important aspect of the Liston report, as it allows the children to see how the learning applies to real life.
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 to be very beneficial as it has provided me with practical and useful resources which can be used when teaching STEM topics. I think they will work well when incorporated into the the primary curricular framework as they give ample opportunity for integration across a wide range of subject areas. I generally try to incorporate themes into my lesson plans and feel that both the curious minds website and ESERO websites are fantastic resources to help with this thematic approach. This module has highlighted the importance of inquiry based learning and allowing the children to predict and explore new concepts and ideas, as well as plan, investigate and analyse their ideas. As a teacher, it is important to give children the opportunity to explore new concepts through this inquiry based learning. Plenty of opportunity to become involved in hands on, practical activities is essential for pupils to grasp an understanding of concepts and will ensure a lifelong understanding of these concepts.
