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 creatively Think 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 project Applying 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