Classroom

Using the PrimaryConnections Science Program to Teach Technology
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Using the PrimaryConnections Science Program to Teach Technology

Learning Area

Design and Technology

Year Level

Four

Strand

Technologies Contexts

Sub-Strand

Engineering principles and systems

Forces, and the properties of materials, affect the behaviour of a product or system (ACTDEK011)

This is from the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) however the equivalent for the Australian curriculum can be found online.

Link to the Resource

Hard Copy ($42):

https://www.primaryconnections.org.au/shop/2PC405-BK

Online resource available on Scootle for free; however, you will need to create an account:

http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing/S7161/Package-it-better-2012/index.html

To watch PrimaryConnections in action within the classroom click here and it will take you to their YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmx-UK7n-78qwCi4tnJYdDQ

Cross Curricular Priorities

Critical and creative thinking (CCT), Personal and social capability (PSC)

Links to Other Learning Areas

Science, Literacy, Mathematics

Some Background on the Creators

The Australian Academy of Science has linked science with literacy through the innovative program that is PrimaryConnections. The many lesson ideas and units created through PrimaryConnections use an inquiry-based approach to develop students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in both science and literacy; however, many of the lessons can be adapted to suit teaching different aspects of the curriculum. To find out more, please visit the PrimaryConnections website at https://primaryconnections.org.au/about.

Using this Resource

Whilst this resource is set to a quite specific year level and section of the curriculum, it is very easy to implement in the classroom. The program is an eight week course that is designed to cover an entire section of the year four chemistry curriculum. However; looking deeper into the content and tasks required of the students, it is actually a program that coincides very closely with the technologies curriculum. The program is essential lesson plans that include diagnostic, formative and summative assessments; with sequential lessons that build on each other with every activity. The entire program is extremely hands on, with each child being placed into groups and assigned a role, which is linked to improving personal and social capabilities. It caters for visual, audible and kinaesthetic learners. Much of the work is already done for you, it just needs to be adapted to have more of a technology focus if you so desire. If year four is not your year, PrimaryConnections offer science programs for every year level K-12, all of which have ideas on how to teach lessons based on technology. It is just up to you to adapt the program accordingly!

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Stoodle – An Interactive Classroom

Subject: Technologies

Year Level: 5-6

Strand: Digital Technology

Sub-Strand: Processes and Production Skills

Curriculum Description: Collaborating and Managing

Year 5-6: Manage the creation and communication of ideas and information including online collaborative projects, applying agreed ethical, social and technical protocols (ACTDIP022)

Elaboration: using a range of communication tools to share ideas and information, for example participating in collaborative online environments (ACARA, 2014)

Cross-Curriculum Priorities (CCP): Able to address all CCP depending on learning area covered.

General Capabilities: Personal and Social Capabilities, Information and Communication Technology, Ethical Understanding and Literacy.

Links to Other Learning Areas: This resources has the ability to be applied to a range of learning areas. It can be used as a collaborative tool to introduce a unit, revise concepts and conclude learning. Therefore, Stoodle lends itself to English, Science, History, Geography and Health.

What is it?
Put simply, Stoodle is an online whiteboard. It acts as a virtual classroom, where ideas can be shared and accessed instantly. Stoodle supports image uploading, real-time collaboration and communication as well as basic drawing features.

Getting started
First you will need to create an account by accessing the Stoodle webpage found here

For a little more information on using the Stoodle features, please see the video below.

Classroom Application

Stoodle can be used in a variety of ways in the classroom setting, or virtual classroom setting. As Stoodle is accessed via a URL it is easily accessible via any computer, laptop, tablet or iPad. Listed below are methods for classroom application:

* Brainstorming content (written, drawn, uploading a document, pictures)
* Accessing saved content to complete tasks at home
* Tutoring peers/students (instant chat offered in the Stoodle room assists with this)
* A forum for group work

References
Australian Curriculum and Assessment Reporting Authority [ACARA] (2014). Retrieved from http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/technologies/digital-technologies/curriculum/f-10?layout=1