Overview |
Introduction |
As a member of the Schools Innovative Learning Cooperative, we at St Ives North P.S. chose to develop our project around the theme of ‘Machines of the Future’, using robotics as the vehicle. The aim was to develop a Stage 3 unit in the S&T syllabus that covered the design and build outcomes and that engaged all students in year 5 (Early Stage 3).  Students designed their machine collaboratively
Our SILC project provided another opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning, from concept to presentation. Students in year 5 were asked to design a prototype for a machine of the future that would improve our lives. They were given freedom to choose the type of machine, to develop their ideas and then create their design using Lego Mindstorms and Robolab software. The students worked in teams of 4, 2 girls and 2 boys where possible, and were encouraged to work as a cooperative group. The program was designed to be inclusive – all students to be given equal opportunity to be active participants. Once designed, the students built and then programmed their robot according to their design specifications and then created advertising promotional material for their machine, to be presented at a showcase/trade fair. The students owned their project from design, to creation to promotion and felt justifiably proud of their efforts. Teachers took the role of ‘guide on the side’ and students were encouraged to work out problems through testing and modification. |
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