Welcome and introduction

Objectives

1. Reflect on personal educational journeys and evaluate the rationale and evidence for STEAM education.
2. Integrate innovative electronics like LEDs and IoT devices into STEM/STEAM curricula to enhance student engagement.
3. Identify real-world engineering problems and design solutions using inquiry-based and problem-based learning approaches.
4. 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​​.

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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​​.

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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.

To discuss the questions and ideas in this course please visit the session forum.