a ( ) to stand on?

A ( ) to stand on?

THE USE OF LEGOS TO CREATE AWARENESS AND INTEREST

IN SCIENCESCIENCE and TECHNOLOGYTECHNOLOGY IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Presented by: Ingrid EsterhuizenLaerskool WierdaparkCenturion, Gauteng

• Welcome

• Why promote interest in science and technology at primary school level?

• Role of OBE

• What is the current situation?

• LEGO as a tool

• First Lego League explained

• Case Study

• Question and answer/feedback

Session Overview

Science and Tech: why the fuss?

Breathtaking developments in biotechnology, nanotechnology, quantum mechanics, medical science, space travel, information technology, sports medicine, robotics, laser technology, the Hadron Collider … can we afford NOT to promote Science and Technology?


As a developing country, South Africa faces a severe shortage of Science and Technology skills in all sectors: education, industry, mining, telecommunications, etc.

The trend is globalglobal.

According to the publication Computer Society Connection (April 2008), the number of students enrolled in computer science in Northern America declined 49 % from its peak in 2001/2002.


Strategically important to ensure that school leavers moving into the labour market or into further study have the appropriate background and capacities to succeed, as work and educational environments become increasingly technologically intensive.


“Manpower competencies ... derive from the nature and quality of the teaching which pupils receive at school.”

-The Journal of The SA Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (July/Aug 1997)


Catch’em!

• when they’re youngyoung• where there is a healthy gendergender ratio

(Why gender? Women severely underrepresented in the (SET) sector - see report "Facing the Facts: Women's Participation in Science, Engineering and Technology“ by dr Heidi E. Prozesky

And OBE?

FortunatelyFortunately: Department of Education foresight to introduce Technology as a school subject in the OBE curriculum.

UnfortunatelyUnfortunately the reality is:

poorly trained teachers classrooms poorly equipped for the

subject (lack of tools, workspace, etc.) remains mainly theoretical and at a basic

level. full potential of the subject field remains

unexplored

South African Agency for Science and Technology

Advancement

Science Unlimited Exhibition

Help! Is anybody out there?

Eskom Expo for Young

Scientists

Why LEGO?

LEGO as an integrated tool provides:

• the mechanics• the programming• a practical and affordable graphical user interface (GUI)

Let the darlings play while they learn and learn while they play!

Cultivate awareness, Cultivate awareness, exposure, interestexposure, interest

What is FIRST LEGO League?

FIRST LEGO League (FLL):

• global programme • gets kids excited about

science and technology• ages 9-16 • theme-based Challenges• research, problem solving,

and engineering

Why FIRST Lego League?

• Integrating various learning fields (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Electronics) in a compact time frame

• Promotes fundamentals of the Revised National Curriculum Status - values, skills, attitudes

• The cornerstones of the program are its Core Values, which emphasize contributions of others, friendly sportsmanship, learning, and community involvement.

Why FIRST Lego League?

"Gracious ProfessionalismGracious Professionalism“ (dr. Woody Flowers, FIRST US national advisor)

• high-quality work

• emphasizes the value of others

• respects individuals and the community

• knowledge, competition, and empathy are comfortably blended

• part of pursuing a meaningful life

Aspects of the Contest

Technical

– Robot

- Programming

Research

– Detail

- Creative Presentation

- Innovation

Robot Performance

3 x rounds

Teamwork

8+ weeks

LAUNCHLAUNCH

Aug/Sept 2008

CONTESTSCONTESTS

Northern 24&25 Oct 2008

SouthernEnd Oct

Nationals

7 Dec 2008

2008: Climate Connection Challenge

Laerskool Wierdapark in conjunction with Laerskool Wierdapark in conjunction with French South Africa Technical Institute in Electronics – French South Africa Technical Institute in Electronics –

F’SATIEF’SATIE(Tshwane University of Technology)(Tshwane University of Technology)

Case Study

THE START: F’SATIE approached school with FLL concept

OPPORTUNITY: saw LEGO as a tool to promote interest in Science and Technology

ACTION:

Identified candidates with help of Technology teacherMeeting with parents and learners – concept and commitment explainedSelection of team membersSetting of datesFirst team meetingConsecutive practice sessions

Results: the

Team stuck together because of mutual interest

Exposure to programming – a first for most

Team spiritGenerate wider interest – expo

participation, etc. Development of vital skills, values,

attitudesSpin-off – brothers, sisters, classmates

become interested

Results: the

Time: finding it!

Team conflict

Boys treating girls as “dummies”

Frustration: “when the wheels fall off!”

X

Pitfalls

Remember the FLL Core Value:

What we What we discoverdiscover is more is more important than what we important than what we winwin.

Do we want to use LEGO as a tool to promote Science & Technology?

Then it must be: process first; contest after.

Pitfalls

Team selection

• not about getting the cleverest on board

• promote interest and awareness in the otherwise uninvolved/disinterested

• (Tip: do not let the teachers choose – they tend to be results-driven.

Ask the coach/mentor!)

The Road Ahead?

• Getting industries involved: sponsorships, expertise

• Integrated teams (i.e. different schools, global teams)

• Start early: train them from gr. 1

• Teach basics – how gears work, levers, sensors, etc.

• Mentors and coaches: training, involvement, etc.

Contact Details

PRESENTERPRESENTER

Ingrid EsterhuizenCell: 082 377 4916

email: [email protected]

F’SATIE (TUT)F’SATIE (TUT)

Dr Elmarie BiermannCell: 082 785 0734

email: [email protected]

FIRST LEGO LEAGUE SAFIRST LEGO LEAGUE SA

www: fllsa.org.za

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