STEM education in the Primary sector

Mark Brownrigg

Curriculum for Excellence coordinator

Reflect and evaluate

lead

Engineering in education

Problem solving

Evaluate systems, products

Use software

collaborate

Think creativelyThink critically

Design & build

Formulate questions

Research

Use tools, equipment, materials

Historical perspective

circa. 1911

circa. 1951

circa. 2011

The way forward?

Balerno Cluster Transition Project

Background The transition project was a

collaboration between Balerno High School, Dean Park, Kirknewton and Ratho Primaries.

This P7/S1 energy project involved the three primaries and the English, Mathematics and Science departments at the secondary school.

Context – Energy House The learners in

primary 7 are challenged to build a model of an energy efficient home.

The models are presented to a member of staff from the secondary for judging.

The project focused on the following key areas:

Science – energy, renewable energy sources, conserving energy, recycling, heat and insulation

Literacy – research and presentation skills

Mathematics – scale, 2D drawings, 3D models, perimeter, area and volume

Next Steps and the future

Peter pan projectApplying learning – Tannadice

primary school

Planning and implementing the learning

The challenges• A waterfall with a swimming pool (mosaic

art and link to tiling in maths).• A road bridge which opens and closes

using a switch ( circuits and electricity, technologies).

• Lighting system (operating when bridge is closed – circuits, technologies).

• Roundabout/boat turning area ( magnets and forces, technologies).

• Seesaw action to create Tinker bell’s launch pad ( Forces and measuring)

• Cable car between the two mountain tops (forces , technologies)

Application in new and more challenging contexts

Next steps

• Insights into how their learning relates to the world of work and how engineers work could be built upon with a visit from a STEM ambassador

• A range of strategies could be used to help the learners reflect upon the skills being developed, for example, a photograph board with post its where the learners reflect upon skills being used during the challenges

Engagement Programmes

IEEE TISP?

STEM AmbassadorsYoung Engineers

Engineering the future

Rapid response challenge