[Valerie Ryan]

Having reviewed Dr. Maeve Liston’s “Unravelling STEM: Beyond the acronym of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics,” I agree that STEM subjects should be explored with pupils in a way that allows for real-life learning experiences that make the subjects meaningful and applicable. In my classroom, creating opportunities for pupils to develop STEM skills across those subject areas is something I am conscious of, whether it is in group work, research, recording, reporting, applying skills to real-life scenarios.

I love the Nose high up in the Sky activities. I think the pupils would really enjoy the hands on aspect of them. Talking about the weather comes naturally to so many Irish people in particular! I think there would be a lovely opportunity to involve parents and grandparents in the weather proverbs section. There could be scope for inter class projects where proverbs gathered from home could be shared and compared. Maybe parents from a different part of the country/world could share their proverbs also. The creation of a weather station would allow for STEM skills, literacy and knowledge to be developed and pupils could have the opportunity to share their findings in relation to air temperature, wind speed and rain with the whole school.

 

[Valerie Ryan]

Hi Martina,

I agree with you re the practical aspect to all of this. Also, a great idea to have the Green School Committee take the lead on this. A weather station in a common area of the school would give each class an opportunity to actively engage with, and develop, STEM skills.

[Author]

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