Download - STEM for Middle Years Science
![Page 1: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
“STEM activities in middle years Science”
SASTA conference18th and 19th April, 2015
Britt Gow, Hawkesdale P12 College
![Page 2: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
What is STEM?
• The acronym stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, but it is more than the sum of its parts
• Not just a collection of content areas, but a transdisciplinary approach that provides authentic contexts for modern learning
• The focus is on developing skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, problem solving and effective communication
![Page 3: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
![Page 4: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
The STEM process
• Ask – Research, define the problem, what’s the brief?
• Imagine – Generate ideas, brainstorm• Plan – Choose a solution • Create – Construct and develop a prototype• Evaluate – test and troubleshoot• Improve – Refine and adjust• Communication - Results
![Page 5: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
STEM benefits
• Planning is a key skill• Activities promote curiosity• Creativity and innovation is valued• Critical thinking and problem solving are
necessary to construct and improve• Teamwork and collaboration are practised• Communication of results is required• Engagement in hands-on tasks • Sometimes a competitive element
![Page 6: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
STEM activities
• STEM activities can range from very simple, low-cost, low tech (for example, cardboard, paper or plastic straw construction) to high-tech gadgetry such as 3D printing, robotics and drones.
• You don’t need a state-of-the-art MakerSpace or expensive electronic equipment to start making!
![Page 7: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Low-tech challenges
• Inexpensive and easily available materials• No electrical power required• Individual or small group work• Encourage the research and planning stage by
requiring a list of materials and a labelled drawing
• Can be timed and competitive or unlimited• Sharing on completion with a reflection and
evaluation is important
![Page 8: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Geodesic sphere
• A geodesic structure is strong, light and based on triangles.
• Challenge students to create a dome or sphere using just plastic straws.
![Page 9: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Geodesic Dome
Create a frame that a person can fit inside, using newspaper.
![Page 10: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
Geodesic dome challenge
![Page 11: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Tallest structure from playing cards
• Which team can construct the tallest structure using just playing cards and no tape, glue or other fixings?
• The world record is 7.71 metres!
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgrJuW_uKgI
![Page 12: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Spaghetti marshmallow challenge
• How tall can you make a tower from just spaghetti and marshmallows?
• Variations: Use spaghetti and string to support a marshmallow at the highest point or use skewers and playdough
![Page 13: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
Paper chair for teddy
• Using only paper and tape can you build a chair that supports a stuffed toy?
![Page 14: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Paper aeroplane
• Using an A4 page, fold a paper plane
• Decide what is the ‘best’ paper plane – is it the one that flies the furthest or the highest?
• Test and improve
![Page 15: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
Bridge Challenge
• How much weight can a bridge bear?
• What is the span length?
• There are four types of bridge – beam, arch, suspension and cantilever.
![Page 16: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Bridge Challenge
A bridge challenge can be suitable for a variety of ages and take from 15 minutes to many days!• Icy-pole sticks and glue (from 50 to unlimited)• Straws and skewers• Spaghetti and marshmallows• Playing cards and tape• Paper and string• Require a fixed width and length
![Page 17: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Float a boat
Construct vessels from tinfoil, straws, icy-pole sticks and a plastic bag - which can hold the most marbles?
![Page 18: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Balloon car
![Page 19: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Model Hovercraft
A working hovercraft made from a CD, pop-top bottle lid and a balloon.
http://www.education.com/science-fair/article/DIY-Hovercraft/
![Page 20: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Cartesian Diver
•Using a bottle of water, a soy sauce ‘fish’ and a metal washer, create this device to demonstrate buoyancy and pressure.
https://www.profbunsen.com.au/uploads/3/9/9/8/39983841/sushi_diver.pdf
![Page 21: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Car launch
• How far can you get a model car to travel without pushing it or applying external force?
• Use ramps and gravity to launch your vehicle.
• Measurement, ordering decimals, angles, forces
![Page 22: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Marble maze
• Create a marble maze using lego, cardboard, straws, icy-pole sticks or on a pegboard with wool.
• Measure the distance travelled.
![Page 23: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Marble Drop
• Design a maze for marble or table-tennis ball
• Can be attached to the wall or free-standing (constructed in a cardboard box)
![Page 24: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Pinball machine
• Use cardboard, tubes, CD’s, plastic cups and tape to make a pinball machine
![Page 25: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Catapult capers!
Using icypole sticks, rubber bands and a hot glue gun, how can you create a catapult?
Which catapult has the greatest accuracy?
Which can launch an object the furthest distance?
![Page 26: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Rube Goldberg Machines
• Unnecessarily complex devices that achieve simple tasks, often involving domino falls, rolling balls, ramps, tubes, levers and wheels.
![Page 27: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
![Page 28: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Level 3 and 4Chemical Sciences:• A change of state between solid and liquid can be caused by
adding or removing heat• Natural and processed materials have a range of physical
properties; these properties can influence their usePhysical Sciences:• Heat can be produced in many ways and can move from one
object to another; a change in the temperature of an object is related to the gain or loss of heat by the object
Design and Technologies:• Technologies contexts • Creating Designed Solutions
![Page 29: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Level 5 and 6Chemical Sciences:• Solids, liquids and gases behave in different ways and have
observable properties that help to classify them• Changes to materials can be reversible, including melting,
freezing, evaporating, or irreversible, including burning and rusting
Physical Sciences:• Light from a source forms shadows and can be absorbed,
reflected and refractedDesign and Technologies:• Technologies contexts • Creating Designed Solutions
![Page 30: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Solar Cooker
![Page 31: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Ice cube challenge
• Design a container to keep an ice cube frozen for the longest time.
• Temperature, conduction, insulation.
![Page 32: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Medium tech
• May include mobile electronic devices with apps
• Simple circuits - Batteries, wires, globes• Constructing inventions from basic
components
![Page 33: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
https://babbledabbledo.com/steam-project-tiny-dancers-homopolar-motor/
Tiny Dancers
![Page 34: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Construct a torch
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cDmh9bJYhOMCNzdLNpI5N_3eIMPTwf9Tl2Ydl3KDysw/edit?usp=sharing
![Page 35: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Create a Hologram
http://www.wired.com/2015/08/new-viral-craze-create-holograms-smartphone/
![Page 36: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
3D Google Glasses – Virtual Reality
![Page 37: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
Wearable Tech
• Clothing and accessories with integrated circuits
• FitBits, light-up shoes, GPS in AFL, smart watches
• Smart helmets that monitor heart-rate etc• Boxing gloves that track performance• Backpacks with inbuilt solar panels• LEDs and sensors on your fingernails
![Page 38: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
Robotics
• Kibo – early years• BeeBots and BlueBots - primary• Sphero – rolling robots• Ozobots – tiny light-sensing robots• Dash and Dot – programmable with drag-and-
drop coding
![Page 39: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
Makey-Makey
![Page 40: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
![Page 41: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
![Page 42: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
![Page 43: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
![Page 44: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
![Page 45: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
![Page 46: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
High Tech
• Requires more expensive investment in ready-made technology
• Can be used to learn coding/programming• 3D printing• Robotics• Drones
![Page 47: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
3D printing
• Useful for custom design, such as prosthetics and prototypes.
• Students can use programs such as Google SketchUp to create their designs and then 3D print them in plastic.
• “Moat Boat” is a challenge to make your rubber-band powered boat travel the longest distance.
![Page 48: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/48.jpg)
![Page 49: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/49.jpg)
Moat Boats
3D printed paddle boats – how far can a boat powered by a rubber band travel?
![Page 50: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/50.jpg)
![Page 51: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/51.jpg)
![Page 52: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/52.jpg)
![Page 53: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/53.jpg)
![Page 54: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/54.jpg)
![Page 55: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/55.jpg)
‘Sphero’ rolling robots
![Page 56: STEM for Middle Years Science](https://reader035.vdocuments.us/reader035/viewer/2022070514/587fbbc31a28ab107e8b7791/html5/thumbnails/56.jpg)
Drones
Can you control a drone?
Direction, distance, cartesian co-ordinates.