Welcome and introduction
Objectives
- Reflect on personal educational journeys and evaluate the rationale and evidence for STEAM education.
- Integrate innovative electronics like LEDs and IoT devices into STEM/STEAM curricula to enhance student engagement.
- Identify real-world engineering problems and design solutions using inquiry-based and problem-based learning approaches.
- Promote contextual learning and involve students in citizen science projects that address local and global challenges.
Session 1: Electronic Innovations
Duration: 20 minutes
Objectives:
- Outline innovations in electronics.
- Discuss methods to integrate these innovations into the curriculum.
- Reflect on the importance of context in STEAM education.
Key Learning Points:
- Innovations: Light-emitting Diodes (LEDs) and their applications, including efficiency and circuit design.
- Pedagogical Approach: Teaching through context to promote engagement.
- Example Innovations: Squishy Circuits (using conductive playdough) and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Activities and Tasks:
- Pause Task: Research a shopping list for squishy circuits, including dough, LEDs, and batteries.
- Reflection Task: Reflect on teaching examples and consider incorporating context first in lessons.
- Web Study: Research IoT projects using Raspberry Pi Zero or Arduino Nano to solve contextual problems.
Session 2: Power in the Home
Duration: 30 minutes
Objectives:
- Reflect on teaching physics through context.
- Identify an engineering problem to solve.
- Use innovative skills to solve this problem.
Key Learning Points:
- Contextual Teaching: Using real-world examples such as climate change and renewable energy.
- Power Usage: Understanding power consumption in homes and methods to reduce it.
- Engineering Projects: Developing student projects focused on energy efficiency and smart home technologies.
Activities and Tasks:
- Pause Task: Identify the most important electrical item in daily life and discuss with students.
- Energy Calculation Task: Calculate the cost of running household appliances and compare with other countries.
- Reflection Task: Brainstorm how sensors and IoT devices can reduce energy usage in homes.
Session 3: Curriculum Planning
Duration: 20 minutes
Objectives:
- Review ideas about STEM curricula.
- Design a project around innovative electronics.
Key Learning Points:
- STEM Curriculum Design: Importance of integrating innovative electronics into STEM education.
- Pedagogical Approaches: Emphasizing context, careers, and creativity.
- Citizen Science: Engaging the public in research and addressing local challenges.
Activities and Tasks:
- Pause Task: Think of a local problem that could be solved and relate it to career opportunities.
- Case Studies: Review examples of problems and solutions involving electronics, such as asthma impact near schools and the use of cheap, programmable electronics.
- Project Planning Task: Plan a sequence of three sessions using innovative electronics to solve a problem, incorporating the approach of context, careers, and creativity.
Course Evaluation
Duration: 10 minutes
Objectives:
- Recall key learning points from the course.
- Engage with the community of educators.
- Participate in community discussions about STEAM education.
Key Learning Points:
- Review: Summarize the main takeaways from each session.
- Community Engagement: Share experiences and insights with other educators.
- Ongoing Learning: Continue discussions and collaborations beyond the course.
Activities and Tasks:
- Reflection Task: Summarize the key learning points from the course.
- Community Task: Engage in discussions with the course community about your experiences and future plans for STEAM teaching.
