Experiment

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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EngQuest

EngQuest

EngQuest Project Completed
Title: EngQuest

Subject: Digital Technologies

Year level: Foundation – Year 6

Strand: Digital technologies processes and production skills

Sub strand: Using digital systems

4.4 Use a range of digital systems and peripherals for diverse purposes, and transmit different types of data

Link to resource: http://www.engquest.org.au/students-projects-p.cfm

Cross curriculum priorities and general capabilities: Literacy, Numeracy, Information and communication technology (ICT) capability and Critical and creative thinking

Links to other learning areas: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences

A classroom activity using this resource:

This resource has videos and activities for a range of different projects that link to other learning areas. The teacher can choose to select a project that the whole class will complete together or assign groups a different project. An example of incorporating this resource into the classroom may involve selecting the project ‘ Construct a catchment’. The students will work in small collaborative groups to collect the appropriate materials and equipment. Using the resource online they will follow the required procedure in the aim to construct the catchment. Once the catchment has been constructed students are able to link their learning to the science learning area and the purpose of a catchment. Students are able to experiment with their projects to explore any further information and findings. At the end of the lesson students can share their work online by uploading photos of their work and learning to share with the class.

 How to use this resource:

EngQuest has both teacher and student entry to access the resources on the website. This digital resource allows the students to conduct their own inquiry-based learning, therefore have students choose the ‘student entry’ tab. The students can locate their own way through the website learning about different science concepts that will assist them with their project. EngQuest has a number of projects for a range of primary level students. The students will collect the materials and work in small groups to construct their final project. At the end of the lesson students are able to use a digital photo device to upload photos that demonstrate the process of constructing and completing their projects. This resource is highly educational and effective as it allows students to work at their own level and pace of learning.

Heather Barnwall – 10330986